China, May 18, 2026: Following the thrilling conclusion of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has extended his warmest congratulations to DPR Korea for securing an unprecedented fifth continental crown after at the Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium. Prior to Sunday’s Final, both teams stood deadlocked as the joint-most decorated nations with each holding four titles. With this monumental victory, DPR Korea retained the coveted silverware to stand tall as the most celebrated team in the competition’s history.

Hailing their tactical discipline and consistency, the AFC President said: “On behalf of the Asian football family, I would like to convey my heartfelt congratulations to DPR Korea for winning a record fifth AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ title.” Singling out the DPR Korea Football Association and the Japan Football Association for establishing a relentless conveyor belt of world-class talent over the years, Shaikh Salman added: “The standard set by both Japan and DPR Korea in this showpiece is unparalleled. For over two decades, these two Member Associations have consistently pushed each other to elite heights. Their rivalry has not only defined this competition but has also driven the rapid tactical and technical evolution of women’s youth football across the entire globe.”

The AFC President also commended all 12 Participating Member Associations and recognised semi-finalists China PR and Australia who—alongside the two finalists—are set to represent Asia at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026. He added: “We witnessed a landmark campaign from debutants Lebanon, whose historic maiden appearance inspired fans across their nation, as well as a magnificent milestone for India, who reached their first-ever Quarter-finals. These breakthroughs prove that our structured development pathways and expanded format are effectively closing the gap and elevating the competitive standards.

“Asian teams have emerged as champions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on six occasions since the competition’s inception. As we look to the ninth edition, I am confident that our formidable quartet will strive for excellence once more and we wish reigning world champions DPR Korea, Japan, debutants Australia, and China PR the very best of fortunes as they seek to bring more global honours to our great region.” Shaikh Salman concluded by expressing his gratitude to the hosts for organising the newly expanded 12-team edition and providing a magnificent platform for the Continent’s rising female stars: “I must extend our profound appreciation to the Chinese Football Association (CFA) and the Local Organising Committee for delivering an exceptional, top-tier stage in Suzhou.

“By stepping forward to host this tournament for a record fourth time and commendably executing our newly expanded 12-team format, the CFA has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the AFC’s Vision and Mission of providing our youth teams with an unrivalled arena to showcase their outstanding talent.”