The highly anticipated World Cup qualifier match between North Korea and Japan, scheduled to take place in Pyongyang, has been abruptly called off, according to an announcement from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Friday.
Reason for Postponement
North Korea, which lacks formal diplomatic ties with Tokyo, cited concerns over potential infectious diseases in Japan as the primary reason for canceling the match in Pyongyang. This decision was conveyed to the AFC by the DPR Korea Football Association on March 20, prompting discussions with FIFA and relevant stakeholders.
Statement from AFC
In a statement released today, the AFC expressed regret over the cancellation, emphasizing that the decision to move the match to a neutral venue was made due to unavoidable circumstances. The matter will now be referred to FIFA committees for further deliberation, with updates to be provided in due course.
Background and Implications
North Korea and Japan are both members of Group B in the 2026 World Cup qualifying rounds, alongside Syria and Myanmar. This development comes shortly after Japan’s 1-0 victory over North Korea in another qualifying match held in Tokyo.
The last men’s soccer international hosted by North Korea in Pyongyang was in 2019 during the qualifying rounds for the 2022 World Cup. Similar health concerns related to the COVID pandemic led to North Korea’s withdrawal from that competition.
Looking ahead, North Korea is also slated to host home qualifiers against Syria and Myanmar in June. The sudden postponement of the match underscores ongoing challenges in international sports diplomacy between the two nations.
Previous Instances of Venue Changes
This is not the first time a sports event between North Korea and Japan has faced logistical hurdles. In February, an Olympic qualifier between the women’s teams of both countries was relocated to a neutral venue in Saudi Arabia at the last minute, causing confusion and logistical challenges for the participating teams.
As developments unfold, stakeholders await further guidance from FIFA committees regarding the rescheduling or relocation of the postponed World Cup qualifier match.
Conclusion
The postponement of the North Korea-Japan World Cup qualifier marks another chapter in the complex relationship between the two countries, highlighting the intersection of sports, diplomacy, and public health concerns on the global stage. Stay tuned for updates as FIFA and relevant authorities navigate the path forward.
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Credit: Kaori Kaneko and Chang-Ran Kim