North Korea Withdraws from 2026 World Cup Qualifying Match
North Korea has abruptly cancelled its 2026 World Cup qualifying match with Japan next week, leaving organizers scrambling to find a replacement. The match was scheduled to be played in Pyongyang on March 28.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said in a statement that it had been informed by the North Korean Football Association that the team would not be able to travel to Japan due to "unforeseen circumstances."
The AFC said it was "disappointed" by the decision and was working to find a replacement opponent for Japan.
This is the second time in a row that North Korea has withdrawn from a major football tournament. The team also pulled out of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in Qatar.
North Korea's withdrawal from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers is a major blow to the tournament. The team is one of the most unpredictable in international football and their absence will be felt.
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