North Korea withdraws from World Cup qualifiers

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed what Fa Lebanon revealed last week: the withdraw of North Korea from the second round of the joint qualifiers 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup in June.

The AFC added that “the matter will now be referred to the Organising Committee for FIFA Competitions and further details on the standings in Group H.”

What are the consequences of the withdraw for Lebanon?

Most likely based on previous cases, the Organising Committee for FIFA Competitions will give a 3-0 win to all opponents of the three remaining matches involving North Korea – Sri Lanka, Turkmenistan, South Korea– and therefore all three national teams will get the 3 points.

Can Lebanon qualify?

If Lebanon wins their three games — Sri Lanka Turkmenistan, South Korea — the Cedars will take the second spot in the group and have a chance qualify to the third round.

According to a complex calculation, Lebanon should secure at least six points in three games to hope for a qualification. Having seven points will increase the chances of the Cedars.

When Lebanon’s games are scheduled?

We will face Sri Lanka first on June 7, at 9 am. Then we will play the most important game in this campaign against Turkmenistan on June 11 at 9 am. Before facing the hosts, South Korea, on the 15th of June at 2 pm. Times are all according to Beirut’s timings.
All these games will be played at Goyang Stadium, in the suburbs of Seoul.