The Matildas have secured their place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over North Korea at Perth Rectangular Stadium on Friday night. The win also booked Australia’s spot in the semi-finals of the Women’s Asian Cup.
Alanna Kennedy opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a clean strike from outside the box after Sam Kerr had won possession and cut the ball back. Kerr doubled Australia’s lead less than a minute into the second half, capitalising on a defensive error to fire home a powerful shot.
Despite trailing, North Korea dominated the match, registering nearly five times as many shots as the Matildas. They pulled a goal back in the 64th minute through Chae Un-Yong, who slid home a low cross from Kim Kyong-Yong. The visitors came close to an equaliser but were denied by the post and desperate Australian defending.
Australia now advance to the semi-final, where they will face an opponent to be determined, with the match to be played again in Perth. The Matildas will aim to secure a ninth consecutive World Cup appearance in 2027.
