AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers Begin With Teams Competing For Final Spots

The journey towards the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 begins on Monday. Teams will compete for eight spots to join hosts Australia and top teams from the 2022 tournament: China PR, Korea Republic, and Japan. The qualifiers are divided into eight groups, with winners advancing to the Finals in March 2026.

Group B's action starts with Mongolia facing India at Thailand's Chiang Mai Stadium on June 23 at 4pm. Mongolia aims for their second Finals attempt, while India seeks a return since 2003. Later, Iraq and Timor-Leste, both yet to qualify, will meet at 7.30pm. Thailand hopes to match Japan's record of 18 appearances when they play Timor-Leste on June 26 at 7.30pm.

In Yangon, Myanmar hosts Turkmenistan in Group C's opener at Thuwunna Stadium on June 29 at 4pm. Turkmenistan is making their qualification debut. Bahrain and Bangladesh will also compete for a first-time appearance in the tournament. Group D kicks off with Pakistan against Chinese Taipei in Indonesia on June 29 at 3.30pm. Indonesia faces Kyrgyz Republic at 8pm, aiming for consecutive qualifications.

Vietnam's Viet Tri Stadium hosts Group E matches starting June 29. Guam plays UAE at 4pm, seeking a fifth appearance, while UAE aims for third-time success. At 7pm, Vietnam looks to extend their Finals streak against Maldives, who seek their first qualifier point. In Group F, Nepal faces Laos in Tashkent on June 29 at 5.30pm; neither has reached the Finals before.

Uzbekistan plays Sri Lanka at Bunyodkor Stadium at 8.30pm; Uzbekistan last appeared in the Finals in 2003.

Group G and H Encounters

Cambodia's National Sports Complex sees Group G action with Philippines versus Saudi Arabia on June 29 at 4pm; it's Saudi Arabia's first qualifier participation. Hong Kong challenges Cambodia later that day as Cambodia embarks on their inaugural qualifying campaign.

In Group H, Malaysia meets Palestine in Tajikistan's Republican Central Stadium on June 29 at 7pm; Malaysia aims for a tenth outing while Palestine seeks a historic debut.

DPR Korea plays host Tajikistan at 10pm; DPR Korea eyes a fourth title after wins in previous years.

Group A Schedule Changes

Group A matches have moved from Amman, Jordan to Qatar and are rescheduled for July 7-19, 2025. Further details about venues and timings will be announced later.

With inputs from WAM