According to the Korea Football Association, tickets for the AWCL semifinals, which went on sale on May 12, sold out within approximately 12 hours, with 7,087 of the total 9,000 seats being purchased.
The AWCL semifinals will be held in a single-elimination format. The match between South Korea's Suwon FC Women and North Korea's My Hometown Women's Football Team is set for May 20 at 7 PM at Suwon Sports Complex.
This marks the first time since December 2018 that a North Korean team has participated in a sports event in South Korea. Notably, this is also the first visit by the North Korean women's football team to South Korea in 12 years since the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.
The South Korean government has officially approved the North Korean team's visit. On May 14, the Ministry of Unification announced, "We have approved the visit of My Hometown Women's Football Team to South Korea for the 2026 AWCL."
The approved delegation consists of 27 players and 12 staff members, totaling 39 individuals, who will stay from May 17 to May 24. They are expected to enter South Korea through Incheon International Airport on May 17, holding certificates for their visit in accordance with the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act.
A large-scale joint cheering event will also take place during the match. Approximately 200 organizations, including the Council of Civil Organizations for Inter-Korean Cooperation, the National Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation, the Coalition for Peaceful Unification, and the Hankyoreh Foundation for Unification Culture, have recently formed the '2026 AFC-AWCL Women's Football Joint Cheering Squad.'
In support of the civilian cheering efforts, the government has decided to allocate approximately 300 million won from the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund.
The Ministry of Unification stated, "About 3,000 participants are expected to cheer for both teams, emphasizing support for all players. We have also provided guidance on the 'prohibited items' under AFC regulations and the ban on political and religious messages in the stadium."
The joint cheering squad noted, "Considering this is a club competition, we plan not to use the national names. If necessary, we will refer to North Korea (Chosun) in conjunction with the match."
Cheering slogans such as 'Go Suwon, Keep it Up My Hometown' and 'We Support Suwon FC Women, Welcome My Hometown Women's Football Team' are expected to be used.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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