North Korea Football

North Korea Abruptly Cancels World Cup Qualifier with Japan

Upcoming Match Scrutinized over Roster Change

North Korea's Soccer Team Withdraws from FIFA Qualifier

In a surprising turn of events, North Korea has abruptly canceled its upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Japan. The announcement, made by the Japanese Football Association (JFA), has sent shockwaves through the soccer world.

The match, scheduled for March 26 in Pyongyang, was set to be North Korea's first competitive international appearance since August 2023. At the time, the country had signaled its intention to return to sporting competitions, including football.

However, close observers of North Korea's recent matches have noticed a significant roster change. Several key players, including top scorer Han Kwang-song, were absent from the team that played in two 2026 World Cup qualifiers this month.

The reason for the roster change and the subsequent cancellation of the Japan match remains unclear. The JFA has expressed disappointment over the decision, saying it had been preparing for the match for months.

North Korea's participation in international sporting events has often been fraught with political considerations. The country has a history of withdrawing from competitions at short notice or refusing to participate for various reasons.

The latest developments may raise questions about North Korea's commitment to returning to the international sports stage and its prospects in the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.