By Shakeel ur Rehman
Sydney, Australia
The knockout stage of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 intensified on Friday as two thrilling quarter-finals were played in Australia, producing dramatic football and confirming the first two teams for the semi-finals. Host nation Australia women’s national football team and Asian giants China women’s national football team secured their places in the last four after impressive victories.
Australia edge DPR Korea in dramatic clash
Host nation Australia women’s national football team defeated North Korea women’s national football team 2–1 in a tense quarter-final played in Perth.
Australia started strongly and took the lead in the ninth minute when defender Alanna Kennedy headed home from a set piece. The early goal lifted the home crowd and gave the Matildas confidence.
Early in the second half, captain Sam Kerr doubled the lead with a brilliant finish after breaking through the North Korean defence.
North Korea responded with relentless pressure and pulled one goal back in the 64th minute through Chae Un-Yong, setting up a tense final phase of the match. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, DPR Korea could not find the equaliser as Australia’s defence and goalkeeper held firm.
The 2–1 victory not only secured Australia a semi-final place but also confirmed qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In another quarter-final encounter, China women’s national football team defeated Chinese Taipei women’s national football team to advance to the semi-final stage of the tournament.
China controlled the match with disciplined midfield play and strong attacking moves, while Chinese Taipei fought bravely and created several opportunities on the counter-attack. However, the Chinese side proved more clinical in front of goal and eventually secured the win to progress to the last four of the continental competition.
The victory keeps China’s hopes alive of lifting the Asian title once again.
Semi-final race intensifies
With these results, Australia and China became the first two teams to reach the semi-finals of the tournament. The remaining quarter-final matches will determine the other two semi-finalists who will join them in the race for the Asian crown.
The tournament, being hosted in Australia, also serves as a major qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Olympic qualifiers, making every match extremely significen.
Football fans across Asia are now eagerly awaiting the remaining knockout matches as the competition moves closer to the final scheduled in Sydney.
