Kuala Lumpur — The 21st edition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup is set to begin on March 1, 2026, as 12 of Asia’s best women’s national teams gather in Australia for three weeks of exciting football action.
The tournament will run from March 1 to 21 across Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney. Several matches will be played in venues that were used during the FIFA Women’s World Cup, bringing world-class facilities back into the spotlight.
Hosts Australia women’s national soccer team will open the tournament against the Philippines women’s national football team at Perth Stadium on March 1. Australia will look to win the continental title again, while the Philippines aim to continue their strong progress after reaching the semi-finals in 2022.
In Group A, South Korea women’s national football team will face Iran women’s national football team on March 2 at Gold Coast Stadium. Korea Republic are still chasing their first Asian Cup title, while Iran hope to make a bigger impact in their second appearance at the Finals.
Group B action begins on March 3 at Western Sydney Stadium with North Korea women’s national football team taking on Uzbekistan women’s national football team. DPR Korea return to the tournament after a long absence and will aim to add to their three previous titles. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, are targeting a first-ever place in the knockout stage.
Later that day, defending champions China women’s national football team meet debutants Bangladesh women’s national football team. China PR, the most successful team in the tournament’s history with nine titles, will begin their title defence against the South Asian side making their first appearance.
Group C kicks off on March 4 at Perth Rectangular Stadium, where Japan women’s national football team face Chinese Taipei women’s national football team. Japan are aiming for a third Asian crown, while Chinese Taipei return to the competition looking to revive past success.
Later the same day, Vietnam women’s national football team play India women’s national football team. Vietnam hope to go beyond the group stage, while India seek a strong comeback after missing the previous edition.
After the group stage, the top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed sides will advance to the knockout stage.
The tournament also carries extra importance as it will decide Asia’s qualification spots for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The four semi-finalists will qualify directly, while the losing quarter-finalists will compete in additional playoffs for remaining spots.
With top teams, modern stadiums and passionate fans, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 promises thrilling football and a major step forward for women’s football in Asia.
