North Korea to open defence of AFC women’s U20 title in same group as southern rivals

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North Korea, fresh from their win in the U17 Women’s World Cup have drawn their neighbours South Korea, in the group stages of the 12-team AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup to be played in Thailand April 1-18, 2026.

North Korea are both Asian and World U20 women’s champions. South Korea have twice won the women’s U20 title. Also drawn in group B are Uzbekistan and Jordan.

Thailand, hosting the U20 finals for a second time, have been drawn in Group A alongside China, Vietnam and tournament debutants Bangladesh.

In Group C, Japan, who have won the competition a record six times, will face Australia, Chinese Taipei and India.

The top two teams from each group and two best second-placed sides will advance to the quarter-finals.

The top four finishers at the Finals will qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026.



Draw Result

Group A: Thailand, China PR, Vietnam, Bangladesh

Group B: DPR Korea, Korea Republic, Uzbekistan, Jordan

Group C: Japan, Australia, Chinese Taipei, India
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