The 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, set to be held in Australia from March 1 to March 21, features a highly competitive field where Australia, Japan, and North Korea are the primary favourites to lift the trophy.
China are the defending champions. They too chase the glory.
The Frontrunners
Australia (The Matildas)
Entering as the host nation, Australia is the firm favorite due to home-field advantage and the return of star captain Sam Kerr, who is back in the squad after an 18-month ACL injury recovery. They are ranked 15th in the world and are led by new head coach Joe Montemurro.
Japan (Nadeshiko Japan)
Japan is the highest-ranked Asian team at No. 8 globally. Under coach Nils Nielsen, they boast a squad with 16 players based in England's WSL, including Manchester City's Yui Hasegawa and 2023 World Cup top scorer Hinata Miyazawa.
North Korea (Eastern Azaleas)
Often described as a "dark horse" turned favorite, they are currently ranked No. 9 in the world. They are highly favored due to their recent dominance in youth football, having won the U-17 and U-20 Women's World Cups in 2024.
China PR (The Steel Roses)
As the defending champions and the most successful team in history with nine titles, China remains a serious contender. They are ranked 17th in the world and are now led by former Australian coach Ante Milicic.
Key Players
Choe Il-son (North Korea)
At 19, she enters the tournament as a breakout star after winning both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot at the 2024 U-20 World Cup.
Mary Fowler (Australia)
A creative leader for the Matildas, Fowler scored 10 goals for Manchester City in the 2024-25 season and is vital to Australia's offensive transitions.
Wang Shuang (China)
Known as "Lady Messi," she remains the creative heartbeat for the defending champions.
Yui Hasegawa (Japan)
The Manchester City midfielder is widely regarded as one of the world's best, providing tactical discipline and vision.
Tournament Format
The tournament features 12 teams divided into three groups. Beyond continental glory, the stakes are high as the top four teams (semi-finalists) will qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
