North Korea qualifies for Women’s World Cup for first time since 2011 doping scandal | OneFootball

North Korea has secured a dramatic return to the Women's World Cup, qualifying for the first time since a 2011 doping scandal led to a prolonged absence from top-tier international tournaments.

Their qualification comes alongside the Philippines, who also booked their spot for next year's tournament in Brazil.

Hong Song Ok was the star for North Korea, netting a hat-trick in their decisive 4-0 victory over Taiwan on Thursday in the Women’s Asian Cup play-offs.

This triumph marks a significant comeback for the nation, whose previous World Cup appearance was marred by controversy.

Back in 2011, five North Korean players tested positive for steroids, with officials controversially attributing the results to traditional medicines derived from deer glands.

After two players were caught during the tournament, Fifa tested the rest of the squad, confirming three more positive results.

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Angela Beard (pictured) helped Philippines secure their qualification (Getty Images)

The subsequent ban resulted in North Korea missing the 2014 Asian Cup, failing to qualify for 2018, and missing the 2022 tournament due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Head coach Ri Song Ho’s young squad, which includes players he guided to the Under-20 Women’s World Cup title in 2024, narrowly lost to host Australia in the Asian Cup quarter-finals after finishing second in their group to 2022 champions China.

Meanwhile, the Philippines secured their second consecutive World Cup qualification with a 2-0 win against Uzbekistan in the afternoon game.

After a goalless first half, Angela Beard broke the deadlock just two minutes after the interval, expertly volleying Jael-Marie Guy's long, high cross from the right into the net.

Guy then provided another assist for Jaclyn Sawicki, who doubled the lead with a header in the 52nd minute, sealing the victory and sparking jubilant celebrations as the bench cleared at the full-time whistle.

Defender Hali Long underscored the achievement, stating: "It’s another step in the right direction for Philippines women’s football, and just shows that we belong on the world stage."

Coach Mark Torcaso had strategically rotated his squad in the quarter-finals, leading to a 7-0 defeat against Asia's top-ranked women's team, Japan, but a restored first-choice lineup proved too strong for Uzbekistan.

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Japan will face Australia in the Asian Cup final (AFP via Getty Images)

These play-off victories determined the confederation's fifth and sixth qualifiers for the World Cup in Brazil. Six guaranteed World Cup spots were on offer at the continental championship, with Australia, Japan, China, and South Korea having already secured their places as quarter-final winners.

Taiwan and Uzbekistan still retain a chance to qualify for the global showpiece via inter-confederation play-offs.

The Women's Asian Cup will conclude on Saturday with a highly anticipated final between Australia and two-time champions Japan.

Japan advanced after a 4-1 semi-final win over South Korea on Wednesday, while Sam Kerr's Australia edged out defending champions China 2-1 in Perth the night before. Japan previously defeated Australia in back-to-back finals in 2014 and 2018.