Poletti 
Tameka Yallop and Joe Montemurro standing next to the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup trophy. Photo supplied by Women's Asian Cup LOC.
The Matildas have learned their group-stage opponents for the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup following the draw at Sydney’s Town Hall on Tuesday July 29.
Australia as the host nation was automatically assigned to Group A, with South Korea (A2), Iran (A3), and the Philippines (A4) being drawn alongside them, which will see Australia kick-off the tournament against the Philippines on March 1, 2026.
Group B will be contested between North Korea (B1), China (B2), Bangladesh (B3), and Uzbekistan (B4).
Group C will be contested by Japan (C1), Vietnam (C2), India (C3), and Chinese Taipei (C4).
Joe Montemurro said following the draw that he was excited for the tournament.
“There’s some interesting games, and I know what you’re going to say, the pressures on, all that sort of stuff and thanks to [Tom Sermanni] for winning it a few years ago,” the Matildas coach said.
“It’s going to be a fabulous tournament [and] there’s some amazing match-ups.
“I think our fans will come out and support us and make it a special occasion for every game.
“The pressure [of being hosts is] the privilege. It’s great to be at this level and we’re really looking forward to it.”
With the competition being a 12-team tournament, the three group winners, runners-up, and two best third-place teams will contest the knockout stages, which begin with the quarter-finals.
With the Women’s Asian Cup also doubling as 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification, the four quarter-final winners will automatically advance, while the four losing teams will contest play-off games.
The winners of those play-off games will qualify for the World Cup, while the two losing teams will enter a 10-team inter-confederation play-off tournament to determine the final three spots for the World Cup.