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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Justin McCurry in Tokyo

North Korea cancels World Cup qualifier against Japan

World Cup Japan North Korea Football AFC Fifa Group B Pyongyang
Fans wearing red wave a big North Korean flag
North Korea's fans cheer before the World Cup 2026 qualifier football match in Tokyo on 21 March between Japan and North Korea. Photograph: Yuichi Yamazaki/AFP/Getty Images

North Korea has abruptly cancelled its 2026 World Cup qualifying match with Japan next week, leaving organisers frantically searching for an alternative venue.

North Korea reportedly decided it would no longer host the match, which had been scheduled for next Tuesday at the Kim Il-sung Stadium in Pyongyang, a day before the teams met in Tokyo on Thursday in the first of their two Asian qualifying Group B qualifiers.

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