FIFA Cancels North Korea-Japan World Cup Qualifier
Match Called Off Due to Unforeseen Circumstances
Japan Awarded 3-0 Forfeit Win
(TOKYO) - FIFA has canceled the North Korea-Japan World Cup qualifier scheduled for Tuesday in Pyongyang due to unforeseen circumstances.
The Bureau for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers confirmed that the fixture will not be played or rescheduled.
North Korea reportedly canceled hosting Japan in a World Cup qualifier just hours after confirming the match would go ahead.
Japan have been awarded a 3-0 forfeit win after North Korea called off the 2026 World Cup qualifier.
In August 2023, North Korea announced its interest in returning to sporting competitions, including football. However, the country has since withdrawn from several events, including the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
The 48 teams taking part in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico, and the USA have been confirmed. North Korea is not among them.
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