China off to winning start in Asian Games men's football

Wang Yudong (2nd L) of China shoots during during the group B match of men's football between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Nagoya, Japan, Sept. 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun)

NAGOYA, Japan, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- China beat DPR Korea 2-1 in its Group B men's football opener at the 2026 Asian Games on Wednesday.

Zhang Yuning (L) of China competes during the group B match of men's football between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Nagoya, Japan, Sept. 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun)

Choe Kuk (1st L) of DPRK celebrates his goal during the group B match of men's football between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Nagoya, Japan, Sept. 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun)

Choe Kuk (4th L) of DPRK celebrates his goal during the group B match of men's football between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Nagoya, Japan, Sept. 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun)

Zhang Yuning (2nd R) of China celebrates his goal with teammate Wu Xi (1st R) during the group B match of men's football between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Nagoya, Japan, Sept. 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun)

Zhang Yuning (L) of China celebrates his goal with teammate Wu Xi during the group B match of men's football between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Nagoya, Japan, Sept. 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun)