Road to Australia Begins: AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ Qualifiers Kick Off Across Asia
The journey to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ officially begins as 28 national teams take to the field this month, eyeing a coveted spot in Asia’s premier women’s football tournament.
With hosts Australia, 2022 champions China PR, runners-up Korea Republic, and third-placed Japan already qualified, eight more spots are up for grabs through a highly competitive qualifying campaign spread across eight groups.
Eight Groups, One Goal: Asia’s Finest Prepare to Battle
The teams are divided into six groups of four and two groups of five, with only the group winners earning a ticket to the 2026 Finals. The stage is now set in stadiums across Asia—from Yangon to Phnom Penh—as the Continent’s emerging and established women’s sides chase their dreams.
Group B: Thailand Hosts, India Return, Mongolia Dream Big
Group B gets underway in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with Mongolia facing India on June 23. This marks Mongolia’s second attempt at qualification, while India will be chasing their first Finals appearance via qualifiers since 2003. Later that day, Iraq and Timor-Leste, both still seeking their first qualification, will face off in the evening match.
Thailand, aiming to tie Japan’s record of 18 appearances, will begin their campaign on June 26 against Timor-Leste.
Group C: Myanmar Welcomes Newcomers
Group C opens on June 29 in Yangon as hosts Myanmar take on Turkmenistan, who are making their qualification debut. Later that day, Bahrain and Bangladesh—both hunting their maiden appearances—clash at Thuwunna Stadium.
Group D: Taipei Targets Fourth Title, Indonesia Eyes Momentum
Pakistan will face three-time champions Chinese Taipei in Tangerang, Indonesia, on June 29, while hosts Indonesia play Kyrgyz Republic that night. Indonesia aims for consecutive qualifications after reaching the 2022 Finals, while Kyrgyz Republic are eyeing their historic debut.
Group E: Vietnam Seek Tenth Straight Finals
In Viet Tri, Guam take on the United Arab Emirates on June 29, followed by hosts Vietnam playing Maldives. Vietnam aim to extend their streak to 10 straight appearances, while Maldives are in search of their first point in qualification history.
Group F: Uzbekistan Returns, Nepal and Laos Face Off
Nepal and Laos, both hoping to break through for a first Finals appearance, meet in Tashkent on June 29. Later that evening, Uzbekistan will look to end a two-decade absence from the Finals by defeating debutants Sri Lanka.
Group G: Philippines Lead, Saudi Arabia Debut
At Cambodia’s National Sports Complex, 2022 quarter-finalists Philippines begin their bid on June 29 against Saudi Arabia, who are competing in the qualifiers for the first time. Hong Kong, China, third in 1980, will challenge hosts Cambodia in the group’s second match.
Group H: Heavyweights Return, History Beckons
In Group H, DPR Korea, champions in 2001, 2003, and 2008, face Tajikistan—a team that only played its first FIFA-sanctioned match in 2017—on June 29. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian hopefuls will target their 10th tournament appearance, and Palestine will aim for a maiden qualification.
Group A: Rescheduled for 2025
Group A matches have been rescheduled to take place from July 7 to 19, 2025. Details on venues and kick-off times will be confirmed in due course.
With every match a potential turning point, the road to Australia 2026 promises drama, inspiration, and the emergence of new heroes in women’s football. Let the journey begin.