SYDNEY, July 29 (Xinhua) — Defending champion China was drawn into Group B of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup on Tuesday, alongside DPR Korea, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan.
The event will likely be held in Australia subsequent 12 months. China will first face Bangladesh on March 3, adopted by Uzbekistan on March 6 and DPR Korea on March 9, with all three matches to be performed at Western Sydney Stadium.
Host Australia has been drawn into Group A alongside 2022 Women’s Asia Cup runner-up South Korea, Iran and the Philippines.
Australia’s Matildas will open the event on March 1 towards the Philippines at Perth Rectangular Stadium in Western Australia earlier than going through Iran at Gold Coast Stadium on March 5, and South Korea at Sydney’s Stadium Australia on March 8.
In Group C, Japan will tackle Vietnam, India and Chinese Taipei.
The prime two groups in every group and the 2 greatest third-placed groups will qualify for the quarterfinals. Stadium Australia and Perth Rectangular Stadium will every host two quarterfinals and one semifinal, whereas the ultimate will likely be performed on the 79,500-capacity Stadium Australia on March 21.
The event may also function the ultimate stage of Asian qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with all 4 semifinalists to qualify instantly and the quarterfinal losers to advance to play-offs, the place two extra spots on the world showpiece will likely be at stake.