The line-up is now complete and anticipation is building as the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ welcomes its final cast of competing nations, with the Islamic Republic of Iran claiming the 12th and final spot in dramatic fashion.
Iran secured qualification after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Jordan in the final round of Group A of the Qualifiers at King Abdullah Stadium on Saturday night, advancing on head-to-head despite both teams finishing level on nine points. This marks Iran’s second appearance at the tournament, following their historic debut at India 2022.
Joining Iran in the showpiece next March are defending champions China PR, Asian powerhouses Japan and Korea Republic, and host nation Australia, who all qualified automatically. Also advancing through the Qualifiers are India (Group B), Bangladesh (Group C), Chinese Taipei (Group D), Vietnam (Group E), Uzbekistan (Group F), Philippines (Group G) and DPR Korea (Group H). Bangladesh will make their tournament debut after a perfect qualifying campaign, while Uzbekistan booked their spot in thrilling fashion via a penalty shootout win over Nepal.
With a rich mix of teams from across Asia, from emerging challengers to continental giants, this tournament will showcase the true diversity of the region and the depth and growth of women’s football across the continent.
With the final 12 nations confirmed, focus now shifts to the next major milestone, with the Final Draw taking place at Sydney’s iconic Town Hall on 29 July where the teams will learn their tournament path as the final match schedule is revealed.
Fans are already embracing the tournament with overwhelming enthusiasm, seizing the chance to secure their seats and be part of history. Thousands of supporters from every state and territory across the country have already secured tickets to matches across Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney from 1–21 March 2026, highlighting the tournament’s national appeal and the surging momentum behind women’s football.
Multi-Match Packs are currently available via an exclusive Visa cardholder pre-sale, with general public sales opening on 25 July 2025.
Single-match tickets will be released later this year, with more tournament updates to follow.
The full line-up, in alphabetical order, features: Australia, Bangladesh, China PR, Chinese Taipei, DPR Korea, India, IR Iran, Japan, Korea Republic, Philippines, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
Fans are encouraged to register here for priority ticket access for future ticket release phases.
For more ticket related information head here, and for all AFC competition related news head here.
Quote attributable to Chief Operating Officer of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Local Organising Committee, Sarah Walsh:
“It’s an incredibly exciting time for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 - the final 12 teams are locked in, fans are jumping at the chance to secure their seats, and we’re just days away from unveiling the full tournament schedule at the Final Draw. There’s a real energy building, not just here in Australia but across Asia, and this diverse, high-quality line-up shows just how far women’s football has come. With so much talent and so many great stories coming together, this is going to be a tournament to remember.”