The semi-finals of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup are set, with Australia, China, Japan, and South Korea all one win away from the final.
By reaching this stage, each team has also earned automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Australia reached the semi-finals with a gritty 2–1 win over Korea DPR in the quarter-finals. Captain Sam Kerr has been leading the attack, while Alanna Kennedy has emerged as one of the tournament’s top scorers, contributing crucial goals from midfield and currently sitting among the top scorers with five goals. Backed by home support, the Matildas will look to leverage their experience and clinical finishing as they challenge China.
China, the defending champions, needed extra time to edge past Chinese Taipei 2–0. The Steel Roses are without creative midfielder Wang Shuang, suspended for yellow card accumulation, but Shao Ziqin will be crucial in attack. Coached by Ante Milicic, a former Matildas manager, China will aim to combine tactical discipline with counter-attacks against a home-fuelled Australian side.
In the other semi-final, South Korea made a statement with a 6–0 quarter-final win over Uzbekistan, showcasing clinical finishing and midfield control orchestrated by Ji So-yun, with Son Hwa-yeon leading the attack. Riding a wave of confidence, the Taeguk Ladies will be eager to make amends for their narrow defeat in the 2022 final.
Their opponent, Japan, has been dominant throughout the tournament, scoring 24 goals and conceding none, including a 7–0 quarter-final win over the Philippines. The Nadeshiko’s well-rounded game, combining fluid attacking play with rock-solid defense, makes them the favourites, though South Korea’s strong attacking form and controlled tempo likewise promise a competitive clash.
Semi-Final Fixtures:
- Australia vs China – Tuesday, 17 March (Perth Stadium)
- South Korea vs Japan – Wednesday, 18 March (Stadium Australia)
While the semi-finals will determine the AFC Women’s Asian Cup champion, the four quarter-final losers will compete in play-in matches on Thursday, 19 March, at Gold Coast Stadium, with the final direct World Cup berths on the line.
Play-In Matches:
- Uzbekistan vs Philippines: Uzbekistan seeks a historic first World Cup berth, while the Philippines aim to secure back-to-back World Cup qualifications. Both teams will need to quickly regroup after heavy quarter-final defeats.
- Korea DPR vs Chinese Taipei: Korea DPR, stunned 2–1 by Australia, are strong favourites to rebound, while Chinese Taipei will look to frustrate their opponents with disciplined defending.
The winners of the play-ins will claim Asia’s fifth and sixth direct FIFA Women’s World Cup spots, while the losing sides will advance to the intercontinental playoff later this year.
All eyes now turn to Perth Stadium and Stadium Australia, where the semi-finals will decide who reaches the AFC Women’s Asian Cup final, while the Play-In matches on the Gold Coast will determine the remaining World Cup berths.
