China U23 vs North Korea U23 Asian Games Preview
China and North Korea square off in a Group B clash in the football event at the 2026 Asian Games.
With both teams showing similar form at the moment, they come into this clash evenly matched and could be set to cancel each other out.
Key Stats
- China U23 are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- North Korea U23 are unbeaten in eight of their last nine matches in all competitions.
- North Korea U23 have drawn two of their last three matches in all competitions.
North Korea on Top
North Korea are unbeaten in the two previous matches against China. The Chollima claimed a 3-0 victory in an Asian Games clash back in 2014 before holding out for a 1-1 draw in March this year.
China Showing Good Form
China head into their Group B opener off the back of a 3-0 victory over Tajikistan in a friendly. First-half efforts from Mutellip Iminqari and Aihui Zhang put them in control of the clash while Yuwang Xiang completed the rout after the break.
Antonio Puche’s team have been impressive lately, winning their last three friendly matches. Among their results in this run is a 1-0 victory over Vietnam back in March.
Beyond the three recent friendlies, China’s overall form has been solid lately. They are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions, picking up five wins in this run.
North Korea Looking Sharp
North Korea’s last outing was a friendly back in March as they claimed a 3-1 victory over Thailand. An Kyung-ung and Ri Il-sung gave them a two-goal lead at halftime before Chu Kung added the third after the break.
That result is part of a solid run of form for North Korea, who are unbeaten in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions. However, having had their last fixture months ago, manager Kim Yung-jun will be hoping there is no rustiness in the team.
Prior to the win over Thailand, North Korea had played out successive draws in their previous two matches. Among the results in this run is a 1-1 scoreline with China.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
China (4-3-3): Li Hao; Hu Hetao, He Yiran, Liu Haofan, Alex Yang; Xi Bin, Mutellip Iminqari, Mao Weijie; Wang Yudong, Zhang Yuning, Behram Abduweli.
Iminqari has caught the eye for China lately and should start in midfield. He Yiran and Liu Haofan are expected to partner in central defence while Abduweli is set to lead the line.
North Korea (4-4-2): Kang Ju-hyeok; Han Jae-yong, Cho Ryong-il, Jung Hwi-nam, Ri Song-hung; Ri Il-Song, Kim Kuk-Bom, Ra Myong-song, Ryang Kwang-myong; An Kyung-ung, Ri Kum-chol.
An Kyung-ung should feature in attack for North Korea alongside Ri Kum-chol. Ra Myong-song is expected to start in midfield while Cho Ryong-il and Jung Hwi-nam should partner in central defence.