North Korea-Japan World Cup qualifier won't take place as scheduled due to sudden notice from North Korea [sports]
The fourth Group B match between North Korea and Japan at the 2026 FIFA Confederations Cup Asia Pacific Second Qualifying Round in Pyongyang will not take place after all, following a surprise announcement from North Korea that the match will not be held.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on its website on Feb. 22 that "the North Korea-Japan 2026 FIFA Confederations Cup Asia Second Qualifying Round match scheduled for Feb. 26 will not be held as scheduled due to unforeseen reasons."
The match was originally scheduled to take place at the 홀덤 Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang.
North Korea informed the AFC on Feb. 20 that it would be difficult to host the match in Pyongyang and that it would have to be moved to a neutral location.
AFC general secretary Dato' Windsor John said on the day that a neutral location would be preferable, but the move was ultimately unavoidable.
"Following notification from North Korea, the decision was taken in consultation with FIFA and relevant stakeholders," the AFC said, "The matter will be referred to the relevant FIFA committees and we will provide further updates in due course."
North Korea had previously said it was unable to host the tournament in Pyongyang, without giving a specific reason.
Japanese media have speculated that the decision was taken as a precautionary measure due to streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), which has been on the rise in Japan.
Last month, the first leg of the women's soccer Asian final qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics between North Korea and Japan was also held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, instead of Pyongyang.
Meanwhile, in the third match of the second qualifying round between North Korea and Japan in Tokyo, Japan won 1-0 to lead Group B with three points (9). North Korea remains in third place with one win and two losses (3 points).
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on its website on Feb. 22 that "the North Korea-Japan 2026 FIFA Confederations Cup Asia Second Qualifying Round match scheduled for Feb. 26 will not be held as scheduled due to unforeseen reasons."
The match was originally scheduled to take place at the 홀덤 Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang.
North Korea informed the AFC on Feb. 20 that it would be difficult to host the match in Pyongyang and that it would have to be moved to a neutral location.
AFC general secretary Dato' Windsor John said on the day that a neutral location would be preferable, but the move was ultimately unavoidable.
"Following notification from North Korea, the decision was taken in consultation with FIFA and relevant stakeholders," the AFC said, "The matter will be referred to the relevant FIFA committees and we will provide further updates in due course."
North Korea had previously said it was unable to host the tournament in Pyongyang, without giving a specific reason.
Japanese media have speculated that the decision was taken as a precautionary measure due to streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), which has been on the rise in Japan.
Last month, the first leg of the women's soccer Asian final qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics between North Korea and Japan was also held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, instead of Pyongyang.
Meanwhile, in the third match of the second qualifying round between North Korea and Japan in Tokyo, Japan won 1-0 to lead Group B with three points (9). North Korea remains in third place with one win and two losses (3 points).
2024-03-23 13:03
nice!(0)
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