AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026: North Korea vows no more protests after China clash

North Korea vowed on Thursday there will be no more side protests during the Women’s Asian Cup quarter-final with Australia after causing an uproar against China.

An outraged North Korea refused to play several minutes in the 2-1 defeat against the Chinese during a group match on Monday.

It continued to rage when former Tottenham striker Wang Shuang scored in first-half stoppage time and demanded the referee look at the on-pitch monitor.

The three-time champion refused to restart the match for four minutes as boos rang out.

«If such a situation arises again in tomorrow’s match, we will follow and respect the referees and the match official’s decision,» coach Ri Song Ho told reporters in Perth through an interpreter.

Ri received a yellow card for his part in the fight.

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North Korea will face a partisan full house at Perth Rectangular Stadium on Friday against the hosts, who defeated them on penalties in the 2010 final after finishing 1-1.

Australian Sam Kerr is the only player left from the match, with North Korea now boasting a young and physical side.

It aims to build on last year’s defense of the Women’s U-17 World Cup title in Morocco, which followed Colombia’s 2024 U-20 World Cup win.

Talented striker Choe Il Son played in both victories before moving up to the full national team.

“We know Australia is a formidable team, so tomorrow we will do our best to support each other and perform at our highest level,” she said.

«We have talent on our side and we have prepared carefully for the match. Lihat juga h1dg. We are excited to show what our team can do on the field.»

At stake is not only a place in the semi-finals, but also qualification for the 2027 World Cup, with the top six finishers booking their tickets for Brazil’s showpiece event.

Published on March 12, 2026