FIFA and the AFC have confirmed that Korea DPR have withdrawn from the AFC first group phase of qualifiers for the 2022 Men’s World Cup. Their matches in Group H have been annulled.

Korea DPR withdrew from the group citing concerns about travelling to Korea Rep, where all remaining matches in Group H are due to be played, during the COVID-19 pandemic. FIFA have now decided that the five matches that Korea DPR have played to date are to be annulled. The decision leaves Korea Rep and Lebanon tied for first place in Group H with seven points each. Korea Rep currently hold the advantage on goal difference.

In addition, FIFA decided that for the second placed teams in Groups A-G, results against their group opponents placed fifth will be discounted when determining the top five to advance to the final round.

The remaining matches in Group H will be played in Goyang, Korea Rep, SAT 05-SUN 13 JUN 2021.