March 11, (THEWILL)- The Japan Football Association (JFA), has confirmed that their World Cup qualifier against North Korea will take place in Pyongyang on March 26, as originally scheduled.
This decision comes after the JFA had requested to shift the first leg of the women’s Olympic qualifying playoff from the North Korean capital to a neutral venue in Saudi Arabia, last month, citing concerns over operational transparency, flight scarcity, and other logistical issues.
However, the JFA has now been informed by the relevant authorities that the men’s World Cup qualifier will proceed at the 50,000-capacity Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang. The match holds significant importance for both teams as they vie for a spot in the 2024 World Cup in Paris, with Japan currently leading the qualifying group after victories against Myanmar and Syria.
North Korea, on the other hand, suffered a 1-0 loss against Syria in a neutral venue before bouncing back with a resounding 6-1 win over Myanmar in Yangon. The upcoming clash in Pyongyang promises to be a heated encounter, with the two sides boasting a storied rivalry on the international stage.
The last meeting between Japan and North Korea’s men’s teams took place at the 2017 East Asian Championship in Tokyo, where Japan emerged victorious with a 1-0 win. Before that, the two nations faced off in a 2014 World Cup qualifier in Pyongyang, in November 2011, with North Korea claiming a 1-0 victory in front of a capacity crowd, although Japan ultimately qualified for the tournament in Brazil.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
