North Korea-Japan World Cup Qualifier Cancelled Amid Health Concerns

The match in Pyongyang is called off due to 'unforeseen circumstances', with rising infections in Japan cited as a concern.

• The World Cup soccer qualifier between North Korea and Japan, scheduled in Pyongyang, has been cancelled due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.
• North Korea expressed concerns over a 'malignant infectious disease' in Japan, referencing rising streptococcus infections.
• The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is looking for a neutral venue to host the match, with no confirmation on the new location or date.
• Japan won the first match of their two-game series against North Korea 1-0 in Tokyo.
• The cancellation follows a similar move last month when a women's Olympic qualifier was relocated from Pyongyang to Saudi Arabia.

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