Philippines, North Korea win Asian Cup play-offs to reach 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup
Two goals in five minutes send Filipinas into global tournament in Brazil, with North Koreans joining them after beating Chinese Taipei
The Philippines and North Korea secured their spots at next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil after emerging victorious in the Asian Cup playoffs on Thursday.
The Philippines qualified after scoring twice in five minutes to beat Uzbekistan 2-0 at Gold Coast Stadium.
Angela Beard volleyed home in the 47th minute and Jaclyn Sawicki added a second with her head to secure passage to the global showpiece for only the second time.
“It’s another step in the right direction for Philippines women’s football and just shows that we belong on the world stage,” Hali Long, the Philippines defender, said.
In the second play-off later on Thursday at the same venue, a hat-trick by Hong Song-Ok gave the North Koreans a 4-0 win over Chinese Taipei, winning them the remaining spot from this tournament. Kim Kyong-Yong scored the other goal.
Head coach Ri Song-ho’s young North Korea squad in Australia included players he guided to the Under-20 Women’s World Cup title in 2024.
The three-time champions were playing at the Women’s Asian Cup for the first time since losing the 2010 final to Australia, and narrowly lost to the Matildas in the quarter-finals after placing second to 2022 champion China in Group B.