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Kuala Lumpur: DPR Korea will be determined to be title contenders at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

Making a return to the continental showpiece for the first time since finishing runners-up in 2010, Ri Song Ho’s squad will be armed with pedigree, tactical discipline and an exciting new generation of talent.

Factfile

FIFA World Ranking: 9

Head Coach: Ri Song Ho

How they got there: Qualifiers Group H winners

Previous appearances: 10

Best placing: Champions (3 times)

2022 result: Did not participate

Fun fact: DPR Korea have also emerged runners-up on three occasions

Having missed three consecutive editions, DPR Korea will be focused on reclaiming their status as Asia’s most dominant force.

Ranked ninth in the world and led by the experienced Ri, DPR Korea made light work of their Qualifiers Group H campaign.

On show was a statement of power and precision as DPR Korea swept aside Tajikistan and Palestine with 10-0 scorelines before cruising 6-0 past Malaysia.

Kim Kyong Yong was the standout performer, netting four times against Tajikistan and a hat-trick against Malaysia, while Myong Yu Jong also bagged four in the win over Palestine.

The resurgence comes as no surprise as DPR Korea’s development efforts have produced a new wave of technically gifted and fearless players.

A standout 2024 saw DPR Korea clinching the AFC U17 and U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ titles as well as the FIFA U17 and U20 Women’s World Cup crowns and several players have already been promoted to the senior side.

The youngsters - as shown in the Qualifiers - give DPR Korea a new dimension and with the squad also consisting of experienced players, their title chances cannot be discounted.

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