DPR Korea, Japan set for 2026 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup final | OneFootball

The stage is officially set for the 2026 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup final in Thailand. Following the tournament’s expansion to 12 nations, DPR Korea and Japan emerged victorious from Wednesday’s semifinals and will now play for the continental title.

Both squads have already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland by reaching the final four. But the Asian Cup trophy remains the immediate goal. The championship will be decided on Saturday, April 18.

DPR Korea’s dominant path to the championship

DPR Korea entered this tournament as defending champions with high expectations. Navigating Group B, they showcased a high-powered offense with wins over Jordan (8-0), Uzbekistan (6-0), and South Korea (5-0). A major factor in their success has been the performance of Pak Okay-I, whose consistent scoring and playmaking have led the team’s attack throughout the month.

After defeating Australia 3-0 in the quarterfinals, DPR Korea faced a rematch with South Korea in Wednesday’s semifinal. They secured another 3-0 victory behind goals from Pak Il-Sim, Kang Ryu-Mi, and Choe Yon-A.

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DPR Korea reached the final without conceding a single goal while scoring 25 of their own. This defensive and offensive record makes them a strong favorite for the title match.

Japan’s resilient and historic journey

On the other side of the bracket, Japan has continued its tradition of technical excellence. As six-time champions, they comfortably advanced through Group C with wins over India (6-0), Chinese Taipei (2-0), and Australia (5-2). Driven by the leadership of forward and captain Mao Itamura, Japan has played with tactical fluidity and control.

Wednesday’s semifinal saw Japan overcome China 2-0 at Thammasat Stadium. Itamura opened the scoring in the fifth minute, followed by a long-range free-kick from Noa Fukushima in the 24th minute to double the lead.

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Throughout the tournament, Japan has relied on technical passing and a structured defensive shape to control the tempo of matches. Both traits will be crucial on Saturday as Japan faces DPR Korea for a fifth consecutive time in this competition’s final.

How to watch the championship game

With no third-place playoff in the tournament’s expanded format, the focus remains on the final. The championship match between DPR Korea and Japan will take place on Saturday, April 18, in Pathum Thani, Thailand. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. local time (7:00 a.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. BST).

International viewers can stream the match through the AFC Asian Cup’s official YouTube channel. However, regional partners such as Paramount+ may also provide coverage in certain regions.

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