The excitement is building as the draw for the 2026 Women's Asian Cup approaches, with Australia's Matildas poised to discover their group-stage opponents. The tournament, hosted by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), will see 12 teams compete for continental glory, and the draw will determine the path each nation must take to lift the trophy.
What’s at Stake for the Matildas?
As one of the top-ranked teams in Asia, the Matildas will be among the favourites to progress deep into the competition. The draw will place them into one of three groups, with the top two from each group automatically advancing to the knockout stages. The best third-placed teams will also secure a spot, ensuring every match counts.
Tournament Format and Key Dates
The 2026 Women's Asian Cup will follow a familiar structure:
- Group Stage: 12 teams divided into three groups of four.
- Knockout Phase: Quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the grand final.
The tournament is scheduled to take place in July 2026, with exact venues yet to be confirmed by the AFC. Football fans worldwide will be eagerly awaiting the draw to see how the groups unfold.
Who Could the Matildas Face?
Australia could be drawn against traditional rivals such as Japan and South Korea, as well as emerging forces like Vietnam and Philippines. The draw’s seeding system will aim to balance the groups, but surprises are always possible.
With the Matildas aiming to add another major trophy to their cabinet, the road to glory starts with the draw. Stay tuned for updates as the teams learn their fate!
