Australia look to power past Korea DPR in AFC Women's Asian Cup quarterfinal clash

North Korea have a slight edge over the Matildas.

Australia looks to maintain their impressive run as the hosts of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup when they face North Korea in the quarterfinal clash on Friday, 13 March (2026).

With the Australian women having home advantage on their side, they’ll look to put on a special show, but have to be wary of the unpredictable threat brought by the hard-working Korea DPR side in their upcoming clash at the Perth Rectangular Stadium.

The Stakes

Australia

Australia have a lot of hopes and aspirations riding on them as the hosts of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, and they’ve produced some glittering performances so far. The Matildas are still unbeaten in the competition, winning two of their group games and playing out a thrilling 3-3 draw against South Korea in their recent clash. However, Joe Montemurro will be eager for his players to significantly improve their intensity and ruthlessness in time for the knockout stages of the competition.

He’ll want his players to keep a sturdy shape and be at their innovative and conniving best in converting chances to get big wins. Australia are desperate for a win after losing in the quarter-finals in the 2022 Women’s Asian Cup, and a big win over Korea DPR will definitely raise their self-belief. However, being eliminated from the competition by Korea DPR will be a particularly bitter pill that they’re desperate to avoid.

Korea DPR

The Korea DPR women’s team showed a lot of spirit in their performances in the group stages, winning two matches in highly compelling fashion. However, they’re now set to face a really challenging task of facing the hosts and will definitely have the odds against them in this one. The Eastern Azaleas will need to perform at a much higher level than they did in the group stages, being especially strong with their defensive structure and in terms of converting their chances too.

Ri Song-ho has a big task in setting them up to be a major thorn for the Australian side and ensuring that Korea DPR can neutralise their threat to get a big win. A victory for the Eastern Azaleas will be huge, especially considering they haven’t played in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup since 2010. A loss will be particularly gutting and end their spirited tale, which the Korea DPR players definitely don’t want.

Team News

The Australian women’s football team will be missing Steph Catley and Hayley Raso for this upcoming quarterfinal clash.

Korea DPR doesn’t have any notable problems within their squad for this upcoming clash.

Head-to-Head

Matches Played – 6

Australia wins – 2

Korea DPR wins – 2

Draws – 2

Predicted Lineups

Australia women’s football team (4-3-3)

Mackenzie Arnold (GK), Ellie Carpenter, Clare Hunt, Winonah Heatley, Courtney Nevin, Clare Wheeler, Katrina Gorry, Alanna Kennedy, Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord, Sam Kerr

Korea DPR women’s football team (4-4-2)

Son-Gum Yu (GK), Myong-Gum Ri, Hye-Gyong Ri, Kuk-Hyang An, Chun-Sim Song, Yu-Jong Myong, Son-Gyong Kim, Un-Yong Chae, Song-Ok Hong, Jim-Hong Han, Il-Son Choe

Players to Watch

Sam Kerr (Australia)

Sam Kerr has a lot of responsibilities on her shoulders as the captain of the Australia women’s football team, and it’s time for her to tap into her ruthless best in the knockout stages. The Chelsea women’s forward has scored two goals in three Women’s Asian Cup games so far, but there is definitely room for improvement in her execution.

She will look to get more heavily involved in Australia’s attacking moves with her smart link-up play and also sneak past defenders into the crucial positions in the final third. Kerr will have to be clinical in converting any major chances her way and be effective with her finishing to be able to guide the Matildas to a big win and take them into the semi-finals.

Yu-Jong Myong (Korea DPR)

Even though Korea DPR might need to take a more defensive approach to the quarterfinal against Australia, they will need to be brave in mounting unpredictable attacking moves to torment them.

The Eastern Azaleas definitely need their in-form midfielder Yu-Jong Myong to be at her absolute best for the game against the hosts. Myong has been in amazing form for her side so far, having scored four goals in the group stages and being among the top-scorers in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup so far.

She will be aiming to continue her hot form in the quarterfinals, helping her side sustain themselves in the midfield battle with vital defensive contributions and charging her side forward. Myong will also look to continue getting at the end of chances to finish off moves efficiently to stun Australia and inspire a big win for her side.

Did you know?

• Australia won the 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, but ended up finishing as the runners-up in the 2014 and 2018 editions.
• Korea DPR scored nine goals in the group stages of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, the second highest for any team.
• Australia are unbeaten in their last five matches, having scored 14 goals in that period as well.

Telecast Details

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 quarterfinal between Australia and Korea DPR will take place on Friday, 13 March (2026). The match kicks off at 3:30 PM IST. It will be available to watch live on the Fancode app.

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