12 October – The Japan Football Association (JFA) has pulled out of the FIFA World Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, following security concerns.
In a brief statement on Saturday, the JFA wrote: “The Japan Football Association (JFA) has decided not to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for Saudi Arabia, following a thorough assessment of the current situation in the host country and available information on safety and security.”
Twelve participants were drawn for the gaming tournament that the Saudi city will host from October 16 to 25.
However, security problems have been increasing in the Arab Kingdom. This weekend, Riyadh airport was attacked twice by Houthi missiles. The BBC reported that Saudi officials confirmed one death and 11 wounded on Sunday, the day after 13 people were killed and 308 others injured in another attack at King Khalid International Airport.
Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility for the strikes, warning airlines and passengers not to use Saudi Arabian airports and airspace. The group said it targeted Saudi Arabia for its support of government forces in Yemen’s civil war and a Saudi airstrike on Sanaa airport.
The UK and a number of European countries updated their travel advice after the airport strikes. The UK travel advice said: “The FCDO is now also advising against all but essential travel to the cities of Jeddah and Dammam, and to all airports in Saudi Arabia except Madinah International Airport.”
Later this month, Saudi Arabia will hold the Future Investment Summit. Early next year, the Arab Kingdom is scheduled to host the Asian Cup, the continent’s flagship soccer tournament. Five of the tournament’s eight venues are in the Saudi capital. Al Khobar in the east and Jeddah will serve as other host cities.
FIFA has been contacted for comment.
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