The draw for the 2026 Women's Asian Cup has placed Australia's Matildas in a competitive group, setting up exciting clashes as they aim for continental glory. The tournament, set to take place in July 2026, will see 12 teams battle for supremacy in one of women's football's most prestigious competitions.
Matildas' Group Stage Challenge
Australia, currently ranked 11th in the world, will face stiff competition in Group B alongside:
- Japan (8th in FIFA rankings)
- South Korea (20th)
- Vietnam (37th)
This marks a tough but exciting path for the Matildas, who will be looking to improve on their semi-final finish in the 2022 edition.
Tournament Format and Key Dates
The 2026 Women's Asian Cup will feature:
- Three groups of four teams each
- Top two from each group plus two best third-placed teams advance
- Knockout stages beginning with quarter-finals
The tournament kicks off on July 16, 2026, with the final scheduled for July 30, 2026.
Australia's Road to Glory
The Matildas will be led by star striker Sam Kerr, who will be looking to add to her impressive international goal tally. Coach Tony Gustavsson faces the challenge of preparing his squad for what promises to be a fiercely contested tournament.
"This is exactly the kind of challenge we need to test ourselves against the best in Asia," Gustavsson commented after the draw.
Broadcast and Ticket Information
Australian fans can expect comprehensive coverage of all Matildas matches, with details of broadcast rights and ticket sales to be announced in the coming months.
