The one-sided romp left Japan top of Group C with a maximum six points having beaten Taiwan 2-0 to start their title bid.

Bangladesh’s campaign in the AFC Women's Asian Cup continued with a quick turnaround as the team travelled from Sydney to Perth on Saturday following their match against North Korea the previous day.

Bangladesh's women’s football team suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to a dominant DPR Korea side in their second Group B match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Sydney on Friday. The loss was a harsh reminder of the vast gap between Bangladesh and Asia’s top footballing nations, echoing a similar defeat nine years ago.

North Korea and defending champions China both eased ominously into the Women's Asian Cup quarter-finals on Friday, joining South Korea and hosts Australia in the last eight.

“We played an absolutely fantastic team today, probably one of the best, if not the best, in Asian football," said the Bangladesh coach.

Bangladesh struggled to replicate the proactive approach they had shown against China in their opening game.

There is a difference between facing an established champion and confronting a wounded giant hungry to reclaim lost ground.

After going toe to toe against defending champions China in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 opener, Bangladesh are set to face another tournament favourites in North Korea in their second Group B match at the Western Sydney Stadium in Australia today, eyeing another bold showing.

Vietnam, quarter-finalists in the last tournament, will play Taiwan on Saturday, when face two-time champions Japan at the Perth Rectangular Stadium.

Many were surprised to see goalkeeper Mile Akter in Bangladesh’s starting XI for their AFC Women’s Asian Cup opener against nine-time champions China on Tuesday, as experienced Rupna Chakma was left on the bench.

Iran forward Sara Didar fought back tears when journalists asked her about the escalating military conflict in her country, as coach Marziyeh Jafari said her players were doing their best to focus on the Women's Asian Cup campaign despite concern for their families back home.

The tragedy of Bangladesh women’s football is that it evolves despite the system, not because of it.

Beyond results, Butler hopes the tournament becomes a platform for his players.

Ranked 112th in the world against China’s 17th, the gulf on paper was stark, yet it was not entirely reflected on the pitch.

Bangladesh had nearly stunned the favourites in the 14th minute when Ritu Porna Chakma’s trademark long-range strike was pushed away by the outstretched Chen Chen.

Bangladesh coach Peter Butler sprang a surprise by naming Mile Akter in goal ahead of long-serving No. 1 Rupna Chakma for their opening match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup against defending champions China in Sydney on Tuesday.

Myong Yu Jong bagged a first-half hat-trick as three-time champions North Korea marked their first Women's Asian Cup game since 2010 with a slick 3-0 win over Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

Making their debut at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, the women in red and green face defending champions China at the 30,000-capacity Western Sydney Stadium in Australia.

Bangladesh women’s football team are placing strong emphasis on tactical discipline in a bid to minimise mistakes and avoid heavy defeats in the group stage of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which got underway on Sunday with hosts Australia defeating the Philippines 1-0.

Football chiefs offered "full support and assistance" to the Iranian team in Australia Sunday for the Women's Asian Cup after the United States and Israel launched massive attacks on their homeland.