Japan look poised to reach the final stage of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup without kicking a ball after FIFA said their match at North Korea will not be rescheduled.

Ao Tanaka scored the only goal after two minutes to give Japan a nervy 1-0 win over North Korea.

Son Heung-min and South Korea must move on from their turbulent Asian Cup when they return to World Cup qualifying Thursday.

2022 FIFA World Cup: North Korea were fourth in Asian qualifying Group H, but only a point behind Group H leaders Turkmenistan with three games still to be played before their withdrawal.

2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers: South Korea last faced North Korea in a pre-coronavirus qualifier, where fans and foreign media were barred and there was no live TV broadcast. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.

The FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifier between North Korea and South Korea had no live broadcast, no supporters and no foreign media in attendance.

Intercontinental Cup: India fought back valiantly in the second half but it wasn't enough as North Korea ran out 5-2 winners.

India will be desperate for a better show when they take on North Korea in a do-or-die match of Intercontinental Cup football tournament on Saturday.

Brazil took time to break down an ultra-defensive North Korea but eventually ran away 2-0 victors to qualify for the knock-out round of the FIFA U-17 World Cup on Tuesday.

Yun protested at decisions made during the North Korea's semi-final win over Iraq in Asian Games football.

North Korea played in the 2010 edition of FIFA World Cup - their second ever. The national media and fans though are following action from Brazil closely this year and largely feel Spain deserved to crash out as they were jaded.