Women’s Asian Cup: holders China to face North Korea, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan in 2026
Ante Milicic’s Steel Roses will play all three group-phase games in Sydney as they try to win a record-extending 10th continental title
Defending champions China have been drawn to face North Korea, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan in the group phase of the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup, with hosts Australia opening the three-week-long tournament against the Philippines on March 1 in Perth.
The Joe Montemurro-coached Matildas will also take on South Korea and Iran in the 12-nation continental championship, while Japan, currently Asia’s highest-ranked team, will face Taiwan, Vietnam and India in the group phase.
“For us to have three games all based in Sydney is great, that will give us consistency that our girls will appreciate,” China coach Ante Milicic said.
“North Korea is a bit of an unknown one because we’ve never played them, but we know that they’re very strong, particularly in their youth tournaments and highly ranked in the senior team as well.”
The Chinese will be attempting to win a record-extending 10th Asian title after lifting the trophy at the most recent event in India in 2022.
The Steel Roses kick off their Group B campaign against debutants Bangladesh at Western Sydney Stadium on March 3 before taking on the Uzbeks three days later and then concluding their group commitments against the North Koreans.