North Korea Abruptly Cancels 2026 World Cup Qualifier with Japan
Sanctions Reverberate Through Professional Soccer
Tokyo, Japan - AP
North Korea has abruptly canceled its 2026 World Cup qualifying match with Japan next week, leaving the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) scrambling to reschedule the fixture. The match, which was scheduled to be played in Pyongyang on March 26, has been canceled due to sanctions imposed on North Korea by the United Nations. The AFC is now considering awarding Japan a 3-0 forfeit win, which would significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Hans story is a rare case of North Korea sanctions reverberating through professional sports. The cancellation of the World Cup qualifier is a major blow to North Korea's football program, which has struggled to compete on the international stage in recent years. North Korea's last appearance at a World Cup was in 2010, and they have never progressed beyond the group stage.
The AFC is expected to make a decision on the rescheduled date for the match in the coming days. If Japan is awarded a forfeit win, they will move into second place in Group H, behind Mongolia. North Korea will remain in fourth place, with only a mathematical chance of qualifying for the World Cup.
Sports Illustrated
Foreign Policy
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