North Korea Cancels World Cup Qualifier Hosting
Last Minute Notice Stuns Japan
Abrupt Decision Raises Questions
TOKYO (AP) — North Korea has reportedly canceled hosting Japan in a World Cup qualifier just hours after the North Korean men's soccer team took the field for two 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.
The qualifiers for the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico come soon after the North's leader, Kim Jong-un, said he could take some form of "lethal military" action.
The North's decision to cancel the match has raised questions about the political motivations behind the move. Japan has been a vocal critic of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, and the two countries have a history of strained relations.
The Japan Football Association has expressed its disappointment at the decision and is reportedly considering filing a complaint with FIFA.
The North's withdrawal from the qualifier is the latest in a series of high-profile events that have cast a shadow over the 2026 World Cup. Earlier this month, FIFA announced that it was opening an investigation into possible corruption in the bidding process for the tournament.
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