Which teams have qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 quarterfinals?

Six direct World Cup spots are at stake in AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 quarterfinals.

Twelve teams from different parts of the continent competed for a place in the quarterfinals, and after three matchdays, the chosen eight have been decided.

From Asian stalwarts like Japan and Australia stomping their authority and dominance to dark horses like Uzbekistan making it to the knockout stages, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 has been an absolute thriller.

More importantly, apart from just continental pride, six direct spots to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 are also at stake.

In this article, we take a closer look at the journey of all eight teams that have made it to the quarterfinals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026

1. Japan

There is not the slightest hesitation in admitting that Japan have been one of the best teams in this competition so far.

The two-time Asian champions topped Group C in dominating fashion. They went on to score 11 goals against India and 4 against Vietnam and are the only team to not even concede a single goal.

In the list of the top five goal scorers in the tournament, there are three names from Japan, reflecting their team’s efforts.

Kiko Seike, Riko Ueki and Hinata Miyazawa have been nothing less than nightmares for opposition teams.

Former Switzerland gaffer Nils Nielsen will be keen to bring back continental glory to Japan.

2. China

The defending champions and the most successful team in the history of AFC Women’s Asian Cup had a 100% winning streak in the group stages after getting the better of DPR Korea, Uzbekistan and Bangladesh. They scored seven goals in three games and conceded only once.

They are led by Ante Milicic, who previously managed the Australian Women’s team before taking over the reins of the Chinese women’s team in 2024. For China, Wang Shuang has been their top performer with 2 goals and would be keen to add more to her tally in the knockout stages.

3. Korea Republic

The defending runners-up were placed in a difficult group alongside hosts Australia but managed to top Group A due to superior goal difference. The South Koreans went on to score 9 goals and conceded 3 goals, including a 3-3 draw against hosts Australia.

Hyo Joo Choo has been the best player for Korea Republic so far. They are led by Shin Sang-woo, who will be looking forward to turning the silver medal into gold in this edition.

They are set to face Uzbekistan in the quarterfinal fixture in Sydney.

4. Australia

The hosts Australia did a commendable job to hold South Korea to a 3-3 draw and finish second in Group A with seven points. They scored 8 goals in the competition, conceded just three goals and kept two clean sheets against Iran and Philippines.

They are led by Joe Montemurro, who has previously led top European teams like Juventus, Lyon and Arsenal women’s team. They will face a tough opponent in the form of DPR Korea in the quarterfinals. Alanna Kennedy has been the best performer for Australia.

5. DPR Korea

The second most successful side in this competition, DPR Korea have previously won the competition thrice and have been the runners up three times. They finished as the second ranked team in Group B and lost a solitary game against China in the group stage fixture.

Yu-Jong Myong and Kim Kyong Yong has been the best player for DPR Korea and will be raring to go all guns blazing in the quarterfinals fixture against Australia.

6. Chinese Taipei

Chinese Taipei did the unthinkable by defeating Vietnam and finishing as the second-best team in Group C. They went on to score four goals and conceded thrice. They are the only team from Pot 3 to finish second in group stages.

The three-time Asian champions and the first team to win the tournament consecutive three times would be keen to bring back their old golden days as they will face China in the quarterfinals.

7. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan had a tough task in hand but they went on to score four goals against Bangladesh in their final group stage fixture to finish as one of the best third ranked teams in the competition.

After two back-to-back 3-0 defeats against China and Korea DPR, it was never easy to make a strong comeback, but the Uzbek girls did an outstanding job to make it to the quarterfinals. They will now face defending runners up South Korea next.

8. Philippines

Philippines were lucky to make their way to the knockout stages of this competition. Despite all third placed teams having three points, they finished as the second best third placed team after Japan went on to thrash Vietnam in the final game of Group C.

In the last edition, Philippines made it to the semifinals and will be looking forward to repeating the same. But it won’t be an easy task for them as they are set to face giants Japan in the quarterfinals.

Six direct World Cup spots are at stake

A total of 6 direct World Cup slots and 2 play-off spots are available to AFC nations through this edition.The top 4 teams (semi-finalists) will qualify directly for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

Losing quarterfinalists will play amongst each other for the remaining 2 direct World Cup spots.The losing sides in these matches will enter the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 intercontinental playoffs.

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