The Pyongyang expedition must have been the hardest

Five days before the home game, North Korea unilaterally announced its intention to reject it.

North Korea was scheduled to play its fourth Group B match against Japan at Kim Il-sung Stadium in Pyongyang on the 26th for the second Asian regional qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA North Korea-China World Cup. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has completed its due diligence in Pyongyang and approved North Korea's hosting of its home game.

However, the North Korean Football Association abruptly canceled the game that was supposed to be held in Pyongyang five days ago. According to Kelp Goro, president of the Japan Football Association, the North informed AFC that it would be difficult for the North to host the fourth home game. The North cited infectious diseases in Japan as the reason for the sudden decision.  메이저사이트

Japan's Kyodo News said, "North Korea has announced that it will not be held in Pyongyang as a quarantine measure that is wary of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STS), which is increasing in the number of infected people in Japan," adding, "We were concerned that the fatality rate of STSS could reach up to 30 percent and spread to Pyongyang."

As the North has given up the right to host the event in its home state, it is urgent to set up a venue for a third country. North Korea has reportedly suggested that Japan hold the fourth round match, but Goro answered that it is impossible. As North Korean athletes can also stay in Tokyo only until Tuesday, hosting the event in a third country is only possible. The North has often played matches in countries other than its home state, and AFC has asked the North to come up with an alternative.

Japanese media outlet "Football Zone" discussed five options. "The first option is to host the soccer event in the Middle East. At the final qualifying round for women's soccer at the Paris Olympics last month, North Korea and Japan were decided in a surprise move to host the event three days before the event. Saudi Arabia is considered a mostly neutral venue."

"The second option is China. It is possible because Japan also planned to stop by Beijing before going to Pyongyang. Hosting the event in Japan was the first thing the North wanted, but it is difficult due to the duration of the North Korean team's stay," he said. "If there is no reasonable venue, postponement or cancellation is possible. However, postponement is not easy due to the schedule of A-match games. There are many uncertainties in many ways."

For Japan, it is fortunate that the team avoided an away match in Pyongyang. Japan, which played an away match at Kim Il Sung Stadium in the qualifying round for the 2011 World Cup in Brazil, lost 0-1 due to strong pressure.

At the time, Japan expressed fear over the North's expedition. He was detained for four hours at Sunan Airport from the moment he entered Pyongyang. His luggage was inspected for a long time and his food was confiscated. Japanese players were not allowed to carry mobile phones and laptops.

Pyongyang is still an unknown land. In preparation for the match against North Korea, the mood was unsettled due to the away game. "I have no experience in North Korea. The coaching staff is gathering a lot of information. If the team collapses mentally, it may affect the team and lead to collapse. I want to maintain a strong mindset," he said, stressing improvement of concentration.

Defender Akiya Mykuma (Cerezo Osaka) was also worried by his teammate Hiroshi Kiyotake, who had experience in away games in Pyongyang in 2011, saying, "I was told that it was not a safe environment because I felt like I was being monitored even at the hotel." It is the best result for Japan if it does not have to play an away game with a lot of pressure and leads to a bye.

"Playing in Pyongyang must have been the most difficult situation for us," said Takumi Minamino (AS Monaco), who heard the news that the away match was canceled. "I think the staff was more embarrassed than the players. I don't know what will happen. I want to prepare well no matter what."