China And North Korea Advance To AFC Women’s Asian Cup Quarter‑Finals After Dominant Group B Wins

Three‑time champions North Korea and defending title‑holding China secured their spots in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup quarter‑finals by a set of emphatic wins in Group B on Friday, official game reports suggested and multiple verified sources said. Each side retains an undefeated berth so far in the continental tournament, and neither conceded a goal.

In their second group match at Western Sydney Stadium, China beat Uzbekistan 3–0, while North Korea outdid Bangladesh 5–0 in an outing designed to underscore their offensive dominance and defensive discipline.

China Laying claim to a convincing victory over Uzbekistan

China led, after forward Shao Ziqin was brought down inside the box and scored a penalty within 30 minutes. Midfielder Li Qingtong later scored two well‑taken shots — including a long-range lob in the 51st minute and a header in the 77th — that sealed the 3–0 win as well as their continued march forward.

The statistics in that match indicate China controlled possession with 78 per cent and made 27 shots, compared to Uzbekistan’s zero shots on goal, highlighting the defending champions’ control at all points in the match.

North Korea Riot Than Bangladesh

North Korea, resuming the Asian Cup long away from competition, maintained their fine showing. After both two first‑half goals were ruled off by video assistant referee adjustments, early in the final period it broke the deadlock with Myong Yu Jong converting a penalty. Teammate Kim Kyong Yong gave a second to the team before the half‑times.

The visitors then built up scores in the second half courtesy of Chae Un Yong and a penalty conversion by Kim Kyong Yong and a late header from Kim Hye‑Yong and scored a 5–0 game. The goal for Myong came, her fourth match.

Group B Stakes And Future Fixtures

Then with these two teams at the same six-point mark, China and North Korea will face off in the last Group B match Monday 9 March 2026 at the Western Sydney Stadium in what should be a match that will determine the group’s final standings. The top finishers are rewarded with more favourable quarter‑final pairings.

Bangladesh and Uzbekistan, both on zero points after two games, team face off in Perth on the same day hoping to qualify, first and second, as one of the best third‑placed teams.

Wider Tournament Context

South Korea and hosts Australia had already secured their berth in quarter‑finals of the tournament, in Group A, by Friday, as they had dominated in the opening games.

The 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup not only establishes continental names, it also connects to the qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, accentuating the significance of every knockout position.