Japan beat North Korea 1-0 in Tokyo last week, making it three wins from three in Group B of the Asian qualifiers. Japan is assured of finishing in one of the first two places in its group and thus joins the final round of Asian qualifications for the 2026 World Cup, which will be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
North Korea was to host this match on Tuesday March 26 in Pyongyang, but five days before it took place, the authorities abruptly declared that the isolated country could not host the meeting.