The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed today that the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers Round 2 Group B Matchday 4 between DPR Korea and Japan, scheduled for March 26, 2024, will not occur as scheduled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Previously, this match was scheduled for 26 March 2024 and take place at Kim Il Sung Stadium, Pyongyang, but Japan has been concerned about security after have the conflict in the last time meeting in 2011, and Japan Foreign Affairs has noticed that Japanese fans not attempt to travel to DPR Korea.
The decision, taken in consultation with FIFA and relevant stakeholders, comes after the AFC was informed on March 20 by the DPR Korea Football Association of the need to move the match to a neutral venue due to unavoidable circumstances.
The matter will now be referred to the relevant Committees in FIFA with further updates to be communicated in due course.
Credit Photo : Koji Watanabe/Getty Images
