AFC Women's Asian Cup
The 12 teams were drawn into three groups during a glittering ceremony at the Sydney Town Hall with the continental showpiece to run from March 1 to 21, 2026.
Hosts Australia, seeking to lift the coveted trophy for a second time, were drawn in Group A alongside Korea Republic, Islamic Republic of Iran and Philippines.
Three-time winners DPR Korea will face defending champions China PR, debutants Bangladesh and Uzbekistan in Group B.
Japan, aiming for a third title, are the top seeded team in Group C with Vietnam, India and Chinese Taipei their challengers.
The top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed sides will advance to the quarter-finals. The four semi-finalists will book their tickets to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027, while the losing sides from the quarter-finals will advance to the playoffs, where two more spots at the global showpiece will be at stake.
Highlights | AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Final Draw
Group A
Having suffered a quarter-final exit in the last edition, 2010 champions Australia will be determined to go all the way on home soil.
Having suffered a quarter-final exit in the last edition, 2010 champions Australia will be determined to go all the way on home soil.
Korea Republic will be determined to finally lay their hands on the coveted trophy after suffering a final heartbreak against China PR in the 2022 edition.
Iran, who confirmed a second successive appearance at the Finals by denying Jordan in the Qualifiers, will target a knockout stage appearance after their debut ended with two defeats.
The Philippines, a rising force on the continental stage, will seek to emulate - if not better - their 2022 semi-final finish.
Group B
DPR Korea, back on the continental stage for the first time since the 2010 edition, will be counting on their FIFA Women's World Cup U-17 and U-20 youngsters to power their bid for a fourth title.
China PR, who came from two goals behind to defeat Korea Republic in the 2022 final, will be seeking a record-extending 10th title.
Bangladesh will want to make their mark in their debut appearance in the Finals, with the South Asian side having impressed in the Qualifiers.
Uzbekistan, having sealed a return to the Finals for the first time since 2003, will relish the opportunity of testing themselves against the continent's top sides.
#WAC2026 - The Draw
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Group C
Japan, denied a hat-trick of titles after losing to China PR in the semi-finals of the 2022 edition, will leave no stone unturned in their bid to regain the title.
Japan, denied a hat-trick of titles after losing to China PR in the semi-finals of the 2022 edition, will leave no stone unturned in their bid to regain the title.
Vietnam - at the very least - will be targeting a spot at the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027 after making their debut at the 2023 edition.
India will be focused on impressing after a COVID-19 outbreak forced their withdrawal on home soil in the 2022 edition.
Chinese Taipei will be focused on an extended run with FIFA Women's World Cup qualification their target, having won the last of their three AFC Women's Asian Cup titles in 1980.
Draw Result
Group A: Australia, Korea Republic, Islamic Republic of Iran, Philippines
Group B: DPR Korea, China PR, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan
Group C: Japan, Vietnam, India, Chinese Taipei
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