North Korea Withdraws from 2022 World Cup Qualification
FIFA's Lowest-Ranked Team Bows Out
AFC Confirms Cancellation of Upcoming Match with Japan
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea has officially pulled out of qualification for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed on Sunday, March 22, 2024.
The decision comes as a surprise as North Korea had previously expressed interest in returning to international football competitions. In August 2023, the country announced its intention to participate in various sporting events, including football.
With a FIFA ranking of 105th, North Korea was the lowest-ranked team to qualify for the World Cup since the rankings began. The team's withdrawal leaves organizers scrambling to find a replacement opponent for Japan in next week's qualifying match.
The AFC has not yet commented on the implications of North Korea's withdrawal or whether any disciplinary action will be taken.
This is a developing story and more updates will be provided as they become available.
Comments