AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
As the dust settles on another memorable edition, the-AFC.com looks back at the facts and figures that defined the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™.
Goal-den show
A whopping 93 goals were scored across the 25 matches played, with DPR Korea (25) and Japan (20) contributing 45 between them. All 12 teams found the back of the net at least once.
Seven-star Pak
DPR Korea’s Pak Ok I proved she is a lethal finisher, netting seven times as DPR Korea went all the way to the final, with the player consistently delivering in key moments. Pak’s compatriot Ryu Mi Kang, Australia's Skye Halmarick and Japan’s Noa Fukushima scored five each.
A whopping 93 goals were scored across the 25 matches played, with DPR Korea (25) and Japan (20) contributing 45 between them. All 12 teams found the back of the net at least once.
Seven-star Pak
DPR Korea’s Pak Ok I proved she is a lethal finisher, netting seven times as DPR Korea went all the way to the final, with the player consistently delivering in key moments. Pak’s compatriot Ryu Mi Kang, Australia's Skye Halmarick and Japan’s Noa Fukushima scored five each.
Fukushima one to watch
Fukushima signalled that she is the next Japanese player to watch after a scintillating tournament which saw her named the Most Valuable Player. The midfielder played a decisive role in Japan’s title-winning run, showcasing her intelligence, creativity and adding three assists to her five goals.
Fantastic rivalry
Amazingly, DPR Korea and Japan met for the fifth consecutive time in the final, with the latter reclaiming the title they lost in 2024, having won the previous three deciders. In fact, DPR Korea appeared in their seventh successive final.
Fukushima signalled that she is the next Japanese player to watch after a scintillating tournament which saw her named the Most Valuable Player. The midfielder played a decisive role in Japan’s title-winning run, showcasing her intelligence, creativity and adding three assists to her five goals.
Fantastic rivalry
Amazingly, DPR Korea and Japan met for the fifth consecutive time in the final, with the latter reclaiming the title they lost in 2024, having won the previous three deciders. In fact, DPR Korea appeared in their seventh successive final.
Safe hands
The tournament produced 18 clean sheets with DPR Korea’s Pak Ju Gyong taking home the Best Goalkeeper award after leading her side to the final with five clean sheets. Japan’s Uruha Iwasaki and China PR’s Chen Liu produced four and five respectively. Ju Gyong was also named the Best Goalkeeper of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024.
Shoot on sight
Natsumi Tago was Japan’s focal point in attack, with the forward registering the highest shots on target with 14, while DPR Korea’s Ok I had nine and Australia’s Halmarick eight.
The tournament produced 18 clean sheets with DPR Korea’s Pak Ju Gyong taking home the Best Goalkeeper award after leading her side to the final with five clean sheets. Japan’s Uruha Iwasaki and China PR’s Chen Liu produced four and five respectively. Ju Gyong was also named the Best Goalkeeper of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024.
Shoot on sight
Natsumi Tago was Japan’s focal point in attack, with the forward registering the highest shots on target with 14, while DPR Korea’s Ok I had nine and Australia’s Halmarick eight.
Pass masters
Not surprisingly, Japan had the highest number of completed passes with 3,607. DPR Korea followed with 3,002 passes, while China PR ranked third with 2,063. Individually, DPR Korea’s Ri Kuk Hyang topped the charts with 419, narrowly ahead of teammate Jong Pok Yong (412).
Poland hope
After an impressive showing at Thailand 2026, hopes are high that Asia will shine at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026. DPR Korea will be defending their title while Japan, China PR and Korea Republic will be aiming to also lay their hands on the trophy.
Not surprisingly, Japan had the highest number of completed passes with 3,607. DPR Korea followed with 3,002 passes, while China PR ranked third with 2,063. Individually, DPR Korea’s Ri Kuk Hyang topped the charts with 419, narrowly ahead of teammate Jong Pok Yong (412).
Poland hope
After an impressive showing at Thailand 2026, hopes are high that Asia will shine at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026. DPR Korea will be defending their title while Japan, China PR and Korea Republic will be aiming to also lay their hands on the trophy.
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