North Korea Faces FIFA Sanctions Over Cancelled Match

North Korea ultimately suffered a forfeit by unilaterally canceling a game scheduled initially in Pyongyang.

Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) announced on the 24th (Korean time), “The match between Japan and North Korea for the 2026 North Central America World Cup Asian Region Second Preliminary Round 4, which was scheduled to be held in Pyongyang, North Korea on the 26th, is officially canceled.”

They added, “This schedule will not be rearranged or replayed. North Korea failed to adjust the alternative stadium and the new match date due to the postponement.”

According to Kyodo News, on the 21st, reports of Japan’s malignant infectious disease emerged within North Korea. Kyodo News stated, “It appears to be a preventive measure against Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), which is increasing in Japan.”

On the same day, the Japanese team won 1-0 against North Korea in the Group League third-round match at Tokyo National Stadium.

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Initially, the Japanese team was supposed to stay in China on the 22nd and enter Pyongyang, where the game was scheduled for the 25th. However, the situation became chaotic when North Korea was suddenly notified of the cancellation, with just four days left before the match.

Some predicted a high possibility of Japan’s victory by default. In response, Dato’ Windsor John, Secretary-General of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), confirmed, “The North Korea-Japan match will be held in a third country, with no cancellation planned.” Initially, the obligation to designate a third country lay with North Korea, who notified of the cancellation. If this was not feasible, the AFC had to designate the place. However, ultimately, the venue issue was not resolved.

As a result, FIFA referred North Korea to the disciplinary committee and declared a 3-0 forfeit win for Japan.

Japan automatically secured 12 winning points, confirming their advancement to the final round regardless of the results of the remaining two second-preliminary round matches. In contrast, North Korea, having suffered a forfeit loss, remained in third place with 3 winning points (1 win, 3 losses).

Depending on the results of the match between Syria (4 winning points) and Myanmar (1 winning point) scheduled for the 26th, North Korea could potentially fall to the bottom of the group.