AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026: Defending champions China and North Korea reach quarter-finals

Defending champions China and North Korea reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup on Friday, recording their second straight win in Group B, while Uzbekistan and Bangladesh succumbed to consecutive defeats.

China, seeking a record-extending 10th title, defeated Uzbekistan 3-0, with Li Qingtong scoring a brace, after a dominant North Korea defeated tournament debutants Bangladesh 5-0 at the Western Sydney Stadium.

China broke through against the stubborn Uzbek defense after half an hour, when Shao Ziqin calmly slotted a penalty into the bottom left corner after being brought down in the penalty area.

Uzbekistan keeper Maftuna Jonimqulova did well to save several close-range attempts from Shao and Zhang Linyan, but her luck ran out in the 51st minute when she collided with a teammate trying to intercept a cross, allowing Li to fire into the empty net dhs6.

Li completed her brace 26 minutes later, heading into the net from Zhang Xin’s cross to seal a comfortable win for China.

Earlier, Bangladesh held off North Korea until late in the first half as the three-time champions had two goals disallowed, but the floodgates opened in injury time before half-time, with Myong Yu-jong and Kim Kyong-yong scoring two minutes apart.

Uzbekistan faces Bangladesh on Monday, aiming to reach the quarter-finals as one of the best-performing third-placed teams, while North Korea plays China in a simultaneous match in Sydney in a battle for the top group.

Published on March 6, 2026