Above: The U-20 North Korean Women’s National Team celebrates their most recent World Cup win. Image: The Guardian.
By Genevieve Henry (20/2/26)
Looking for their fourth title, the most unknown and perhaps most threatening team heading into the 2026 Asian Cup is North Korea. Known as the “Eastern Azaleas,” this team has a long history as one of the best teams in Asia, but is shrouded in mystery due to recent periods of inactivity. But, even with their lack of regular games over the past decade, the team remains ranked 9th in the world. While this comes down to the fact that they were able to neither gain or lose points, the record that earned them that high rank in the first place is truly formidable.
A young team that has thrived due to an excellent youth set-up, this team exploits their opponents with energy and discipline. Drawn into Group B, the Eastern Azaleas will compete with China, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan.
Squad:
TBA.
Head Coach:
Ri Song-ho is an experienced coach within the North Korean system. He has worked with the U-20 side and led them to win the U-20 Asian cup in 2024. With his young team, he will have worked with many of them for a long time, driving team cohesion and spirit. Ri played with Rimyongsu FC for seven years before a knee injury forced him into a coaching position. He coached Wolmido FC and then went on to join the youth national team set-up.
Asian Cup History:
North Korea makes their first return to the Asian Cup since losing to Australia in the 2010 final. Previous to that, they are the competition’s equal-second most successful team, with three titles. Their victories came in 2001, 2003, and 2008. In their 11th appearance, they will look to recreate their former glory.
How They Qualified:
North Korea qualified as the winners of qualification Group H, ending with all nine points and an impressive goal difference of 26— the highest of any team. They beat both Tajikistan and Palestine 10-0 and Malaysia 6-0. The North Koreans had both the equal top scorer in Kim Kyong-yong with 9 and the second most with Myong Yu-jong with 6.
Strengths:
The Eastern Azaleas thrive on their youthful factor. With a strong and successful development program, their successful U-20 team players often move seamlessly into the starting line-up. Their U-17 squad has won back-to-back World Cups. The discipline ingrained into their youth system is evident in their results.
Development Areas:
While the Eastern Azaleas seem to be thriving for the large part, their absence from women’s football could take a toll. Their most recent matches, in November 2025, were a 1-1 draw and a 5-2 over Russia, signifying that while they may still be near the top of the pack in Asia, they could struggle facing stronger international opponents. Whether the senior team can recreate the glory of their youth counterparts is yet to be seen, but they are surely a sleeping giant.
Key Players:
Kim Kyong-yong was the joint top scorer in qualification, scoring nine goals in the three games. She has scored a whopping 26 goals in her 18 recorded appearances for North Korea. The 24-year old forward is one of the most menacing forwards coming into the tournament. She played at most of the youth levels, even earning the highest individual scoring tally at the U-16 AFC Championship since Australia’s Caitlin Foord.
Ri Hye-gyong, one of the oldest regular squad members at 26 is the Eastern Azaleas defensive anchor. She has 17 international caps recorded, which is at the high end for North Korea. She plays for Amnokgang Sports.
Myong Yu-jong scored the second most goals in qualification with 6. The 22-year old midfielder has 9 goals in 19 caps. She plays for North Korean club April 25 alongside many of her national teammates.
One to Watch:
Kim Song-gyong is a 20-year old midfielder who was another key player in qualification. In only four appearances, she has already scored two goals. She plays for Amnokgang Sports.
Success Would Be:
Anything beyond World Cup qualification– a semifinal or final seems likely. This team has the potential to win the tournament, but would probably settle for a semi-final after their hiatus.
Prediction:
Semi-final finish. While they may be the dark horse team of the tournament, teams like Japan and Australia should have an edge over the Eastern Azaleas.
Fixtures:
3rd March — North Korea vs Uzbekistan, 1pm, Western Sydney Stadium
6th March — Bangladesh vs North Korea, 1pm, Western Sydney Stadium
9th March — North Korea vs China, 8pm, Western Sydney Stadium
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