The knockout stage of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup is underway in Australia, with teams now just one victory away from securing a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
After the group stage began on March 1, the tournament has now reached the quarter-finals, where the stakes are clear: the four teams that reach the semi-finals will automatically qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Teams eliminated in the quarter-finals will still have a chance through additional play-offs. Australia has already earned the first WC Cup 2027 Ticket.
Australia secure semi-final spot
The host nation became the first team to reach the semi-finals after defeating North Korea 2–1 in the opening quarter-final.
The victory guarantees Australia a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup while keeping their hopes of winning the Women’s Asian Cup 2026 alive.
Australia entered the knockout stage after finishing second in Group A with seven points, level with South Korea but narrowly missing out on top spot.
“We have been building as we go,” said Australia captain Sam Kerr. “I don’t think we’ve reached our top performance yet but that’s the exciting part. Each game we’ve played, we have improved and hopefully that continues.”
Australia has emerged as one of the tournament favourites, boosted by strong home support following the surge in interest in women’s football after the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Women’s Asian Cup 2026 quarter-final fixtures
Three quarter-finals remain to determine the rest of the semi-finalists.
China will face Chinese Taipei on March 14, while South Korea take on Uzbekistan on the same day. The final quarter-final will see Japan meet the Philippines on March 15.
For each team, the objective is simple: win and secure a place in both the semi-finals and the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Chinese Taipei midfielder Chen Ying-Hui acknowledged the challenge ahead against defending champions China.
“We have competed against China PR before in the EAFF E-1 Women’s Tournament and now we’ll meet them again so we know it will be a tough challenge,” she said.
“No matter what the result is, we will enjoy the game and be proud of our performance.”
Uzbekistan are also relishing their quarter-final opportunity.
“Honestly, it was amazing, and this feeling is unbelievable,” said Uzbekistan’s Dilrabo Asadova. “Now we are motivated because we see our next goal and are eager to achieve it.”
Group stage results set up knockout drama
The group stage of the Women’s Asian Cup 2026 produced several dominant performances.
Group A was the most competitive section of the tournament. South Korea and Australia both finished with seven points, with South Korea topping the group. The Philippines finished third with three points while Iran ended the group without a point.
Group B was dominated by China, who secured maximum points with three wins from three matches. North Korea finished second with six points while Uzbekistan finished third with three. Bangladesh concluded the group stage without scoring a point.
Japan also delivered a perfect group campaign, topping Group C with nine points. Chinese Taipei finished second with six points while Vietnam and India completed the group standings.
One of the most dramatic moments of the group stage came when South Korea and Australia played out an entertaining 3–3 draw on the final matchday.
Japan also recorded the biggest result of the tournament so far with an emphatic 11–0 victory over India.
So Far: Japan lead scoring charts
Japan have been the most prolific team at the Women’s Asian Cup 2026 so far.
They have scored 17 goals in the tournament, more than any other nation. Australia and North Korea follow with 10 goals each.
Across the first 19 matches of the tournament, teams have scored 67 goals from 508 shots. There have also been 14 clean sheets, 49 yellow cards and seven penalties, while referees have yet to issue a red card.
Golden Boot race
Australia defender Alanna Kennedy currently leads the tournament scoring charts with five goals.
Japan forwards Riko Ueki and Kiko Seike have both scored four goals, alongside North Korea’s Yu-Jong Myong.
With several knockout matches still to play, the race for the Golden Boot remains wide open.
World Cup qualification at stake
With Australia already through to the semi-finals, attention now turns to which three teams will join them in securing automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
China and Japan enter the quarter-finals with perfect group-stage records, while South Korea also impressed during the opening round.
As the tournament moves deeper into the knockout stage, the Women’s Asian Cup 2026 is set to deliver decisive matches that will shape both the continental title race and Asia’s representatives at the next World Cup.
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