Full schedule and match list

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, the 21st edition of the continent’s premier football tournament, will take place from March 1 to 21 across five venues in Australia.

Almost two decades after first hosting the competition when they finished as runners-up, Australia will kick off proceedings at Perth Stadium on March 1 when they take on AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 semi-finalists Philippines.

Bangladesh, the only AFC Women’s Asian Cup debutants in Australia and the lowest-ranked side in the field at world No. 128, face a tough introduction to the tournament against defending champions People’s Republic of China on March 2.

China, aiming for back-to-back titles, are chasing a record-extending 10th crown in their 16th appearance. They remain the only nation to have never finished outside the top four.

Japan, Asia’s top team in the FIFA women’s rankings at world No. 7, will meet Chinese Taipei in their first game on March 4.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, champions in 2001, 2003 and 2008, return to the finals for the first time since 2010 when they finished as runners-up.

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