March 30, (THEWILL) – Japan’s national football team has received a 3-0 victory by default after their World Cup qualifying match against North Korea, scheduled for earlier this month in Pyongyang, was called off. The Japan Football Association (JFA), announced on Saturday that FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee had informed them of the forfeit, guaranteeing Japan a top-two finish in their group, which also includes Syria and Myanmar.
With 12 points from four games, Japan has qualified for the third round of World Cup qualifiers and the 2027 Asian Cup. This decision comes after Japan’s 1-0 victory over North Korea in another qualifying match held in Tokyo, this month. Hajime Moriyasu, the Japanese coach, acknowledged the lost opportunity for his players but viewed the decision as a positive step forward.
“Although the players lost an important opportunity to play, I see this as a positive step forward. Naturally, we will not be satisfied with this result, but will continue to build up our strength for the national team activities in June, the final qualifying round, and the World Cup”, Moriyasu noted.
North Korea, which has no formal diplomatic relations with Tokyo, decided not to host the match in Pyongyang due to concerns over infectious diseases in Japan. They had requested the game be moved to a neutral venue. However, FIFA announced that the match would not be rescheduled due to a lack of available dates on the fixture calendar.
This turn of events has ensured Japan’s progression in the World Cup qualifiers and the upcoming Asian Cup. Despite the forfeit, Moriyasu’s team will need to remain focused on their preparations for the upcoming matches and the ultimate goal of booking a spot in the 2026 World Cup array.
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.
