Korea DPR 3-0 Uzbekistan, AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026: Myong Yu-Jong’s Hat-Trick Prevails Koreans In Sydney

Korea DPR delivered a clinical performance in Sydney to defeat Uzbekistan in their long-awaited return to the AFC Women's Asian Cup. The 3-time champions showed no signs of rust as they overwhelmed the Central Asians with their signature high-pressing style and rapid transitions. Korean number 7 Myong Yu-Jong netted a hat-trick, with the goals coming in the 6th, 24th and 41st minutes to batter the struggling Uzbeks. The victory put Korea on top of Group B, signaling their intent to reclaim the title they last contested in 2010. See the best photos from the match.

Updated on: 3 March 2026 5:53 pm

North Korea vs Uzbekistan AFC Women’s Asian Cup photos-1

North Korean players gather following the Women's Asia Cup soccer match between North Korea and Uzbekistan in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Rick Rycroft

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North Korea vs Uzbekistan AFC Women’s Asian Cup photos-Zarina Saidova

Uzbekistan's goalkeeper Zarina Saidova reaches up to take the ball during the Women's Asia Cup soccer match between North Korea and Uzbekistan in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Rick Rycroft

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Uzbekistan's goalkeeper Zarina Saidova stops a free kick during the Women's Asia Cup soccer match between North Korea and Uzbekistan in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Rick Rycroft

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North Korea vs Uzbekistan AFC Women’s Asian Cup photos-Maftuna Shoyimova

Uzbekistan's Maftuna Shoyimova tackles North Korea's Sin Hyang during the Women's Asia Cup soccer match between North Korea and Uzbekistan in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Rick Rycroft

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Uzbekistan's goalkeeper Zarina Saidova reaches for the ball during the Women's Asia Cup soccer match between North Korea and Uzbekistan in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Rick Rycroft

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Uzbekistan's goalkeeper Zarina Saidova gestures during the Women's Asia Cup soccer match between North Korea and Uzbekistan in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Rick Rycroft

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North Korea vs Uzbekistan AFC Women’s Asian Cup photos-Dilrabo Asadova

Uzbekistan's Dilrabo Asadova right, battles for the ball with North Korea's Chae Un Yong during the Women's Asia Cup soccer match between North Korea and Uzbekistan in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Rick Rycroft

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North Korea vs Uzbekistan AFC Women’s Asian Cup photos-Casey Rebelt

Referee Casey Rebelt shows a yellow card to North Korea's Myong Yu Jong, second right, during the Women's Asia Cup soccer match between North Korea and Uzbekistan in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Rick Rycroft

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North Korea vs Uzbekistan AFC Women’s Asian Cup photos-Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva

Uzbekistan's Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva, centre, battles for the ball with North Korea's Ri Hye Gyong, right, and Myong Yu Jong during the Women's Asia Cup soccer match between North Korea and Uzbekistan in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Rick Rycroft

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North Korea vs Uzbekistan AFC Women’s Asian Cup photos-

North Korea's Ri Myong gum takes a shot at goal during the Women's Asia Cup soccer match between North Korea and Uzbekistan in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Rick Rycroft