Team China line up before the Group B match of Women's Asian Cup between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in Sydney, Australia, March 9, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua/Ma Ping)

SYDNEY, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Defending champion China edged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) 2-1 for top spot in Group B at the 2026 Women's Asian Cup in Sydney on Monday night.

China will play the second-place team from Group C in the quarterfinals, while DPRK will have to face host Australia.