China to face DPR Korea, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan in 2026 Women's Asian Cup group stage

SYDNEY, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Defending champion China was drawn into Group B of the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup on Tuesday, alongside DPR Korea, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan.

The tournament will be held in Australia next year. China will first face Bangladesh on March 3, followed by Uzbekistan on March 6 and DPR Korea on March 9, with all three matches to be played at Western Sydney Stadium.

Host Australia has been drawn into Group A alongside 2022 Women's Asia Cup runner-up South Korea, Iran and the Philippines.

Australia's Matildas will open the tournament on March 1 against the Philippines at Perth Rectangular Stadium in Western Australia before facing Iran at Gold Coast Stadium on March 5, and South Korea at Sydney's Stadium Australia on March 8.

In Group C, Japan will take on Vietnam, India and Chinese Taipei.

The top two teams in each group and the two best third-placed teams will qualify for the quarterfinals. Stadium Australia and Perth Rectangular Stadium will each host two quarterfinals and one semifinal, while the final will be played at the 79,500-capacity Stadium Australia on March 21.

The tournament will also serve as the final stage of Asian qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, with all four semifinalists to qualify directly and the quarterfinal losers to advance to play-offs, where two more spots at the global showpiece will be at stake. ■