Vietnam's heavy win 6-2, North Korea suffers an easy defeat in the Asian Cup Finals

Uzbekistan was unable to create an upset, falling 0-3 to North Korea in their Women's Asian Cup opener.

The North Korean women's team made a perfect start to their campaign AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 with a 3-0 victory over Uzbekistan in a Group B match at Western Sydney Stadium on Tuesday.

A hat-trick from Myong Yu-jong helped the three-time Asian champions begin their dream start, marking their return to the continental stage for the first time since 2010 with a convincing performance.

The East Asian players wasted no time showing their attacking intent, opening the scoring as early as the 6th minute. Myong Yu-jong capitalized on a cross from the right flank by Chae Un Yong after Kim Kyong Yong's low header was blocked by the Uzbek defense, placing the ball into the top left corner of the goal.

In the 20th minute, Chae Un Yong earned a penalty for North Korea after being pushed down in the box by Zarina Mamatkarimova. Myong Yu-jong stepped up and made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball into the left corner to double the lead.

Uzbekistan's situation worsened when, in the 40th minute, the East Asian side was awarded a second penalty after VAR confirmed Khikmatova had handled the ball. Completing her hat-trick, midfielder Myong Yu-jong stepped up again and accurately finished into the bottom left corner of the net.

The North Korean women's team entered the second half with similar intensity, continuing to apply constant pressure on Uzbekistan's defense, although the backline seemed more stable as they thwarted several attacks into the box from the red-clad team. However, the Uzbekistan goalkeeper was forced into action almost immediately, having to make two quick saves within the first five minutes of the second half.

With just 10 minutes remaining, substitute Ri Song-A had another scoring opportunity, but her right-footed shot from inside the box went over the crossbar, leaving the score unchanged and the match ending with a final result of 3-0 for North Korea. In their second match, North Korea will host Bangladesh in Sydney, while Uzbekistan will face China on the same day.