Liverpool defender Wataru Endo is set to make an early return to Merseyside after Japan’s World Cup qualifier against North Korea was postponed due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’
Liverpool’s Wataru Endo is returning to Merseyside early after Japan’s World Cup qualifier with North Korea was postponed.
Japan were all set to play against North Korea on Tuesday, 26 March, but the hosts pulled out due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’. North Korea said they couldn’t play at their home, and they asked the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for the game to be moved.
A statement read: “The AFC has confirmed today that the upcoming World Cup 2026 Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 and Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Group B fixture between DPR Korea and Japan, scheduled to be played on March 26 will not take place due to unforeseen circumstances.
“The decision, taken in consultation with FIFA and relevant stakeholders, comes after the AFC was informed on March 20 by the DPR Korea Football Association of the need to move the match to a neutral venue due to unavoidable circumstances.
