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FIFA has made the decision to cancel the highly anticipated World Cup qualifier match between North Korea and Japan, which was originally scheduled to take place in Pyongyang.  The cancellation comes after North Korea failed to secure an alternative venue, and there was no available slot in the calendar for a postponement.

 The revelation that North Korea would not host the return match against Japan in Pyongyang cast a shadow over the on-field proceedings. The exact reasons behind this move remained unclear initially, as North Korea’s manager, Sin Yong Nam, deftly avoided questions during the postgame news conference. However, reports suggest that North Korea’s concerns about the spread of streptococcus in Japan played a pivotal role in their decision. 

 The timing of North Korea’s expression of concern is intriguing. Despite the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) declaring on March 11 that the men’s international match would proceed as planned, North Korea held off until the AFC match in Tokyo to raise their worries. This match was significant as it not only marked the first organized international game in Pyongyang since the COVID-19 outbreak, but also was slated to occur so soon after the recent missile tests. 

On Thursday In Tokyo, it seemed as though Team Japan would have an easy evening with their early goal at the second minute of the game. Nevertheless, the game not only turned defensive, but saw several scoring opportunities for North Korea. Nevertheless, the game remained at the same score to the very final whistle.  Ao Tanaka was the only player to hit the back of the net, in spite of the fact that the match saw the number one and number three scorer in the game as well.

 The decision to bring North Korea’s staff and players to Japan, despite their health concerns, remains puzzling. On March 20, the DPR Korea Football Association informed FIFA of the need to relocate the match to a neutral venue due to “unavoidable circumstances.” This disruption is uncommon at this level, but Moriyasu had already hinted at expecting the unexpected in relation to the away game.
In summary, the canceled match serves as a unique chapter in the North Korea-Japan rivalry, both on and off the field. FIFA’s disciplinary committee will likely address the matter and determine the outcome of the match.