Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

North Korea's Women's Team Prepares for 2026 Asian Cup

2/23/2026

23 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) women's national football team, the Eastern Azaleas, is preparing for the 2026 Asian Cup after an absence.
The team won three Asian Cup titles between 2001 and 2008 and ranks ninth in the world.
Decades of government investment, including the Pyongyang International Football School founded in 2013, support the program.
The next step is a March 3, 2026 match against Uzbekistan in Sydney.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) women's national football team, the Eastern Azaleas, is preparing for the 2026 Asian Cup after an absence.
The team won three Asian Cup titles between 2001 and 2008 and ranks ninth in the world.
Decades of government investment, including the Pyongyang International Football School founded in 2013, support the program.
The next step is a March 3, 2026 match against Uzbekistan in Sydney.