Australia finished the knockout stage in dominant fashion after defeating North Korea in the quarterfinals match of AFC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 held at Perth Rectangular Stadium. The win got them a spot in the semi-finals match. Alanna Kennedy and skipper Sam Kerr were notable players for the Matildas. Australia will play their semi-finals match with the winner of the match between China and Chinese Taipei. Both the teams will play their quarterfinals match in Perth on Saturday.
Kennedy scored her fifth tournament goal in the match on her left-foot in the ninth minute of the game. Meanwhile, Kerr hits the target on her left boot after half-time. However, in the 65th minute North Korea struck, making their opening through Chae Un-Yong. With the victory, Australia Women’s football team have earned a direct qualification in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
On the other hand, North Korea’s campaign at the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup came to an end as the team was wanting to add their fourth title win. However, they remain in contention for the play-in match scheduled on March 19 in which we get the final two automatic spots for the World Cup.
Australia played the match in absence of their star duo Hayley Raso and Steph Catley. Previously, they faced defeat against South Korea in their final group match held in Sydney.
The Koreans tried their best to put pressure on the Australians. They got a missed chance when Kim Kyong-Yong attempted and missed from the target by a narrow mark. Kerr made a brilliant defense effort to take the ball from An Kuk-Hyang AMF takes it to Kennedy who then breaks in. The North Koreans dominated the match throughout the interval. Because of this, Australia’s defense got a bit rattled in the process. They could not manage to clear out the ball as goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold was involved in action multiple times.
Hong Song-Ok came quite close to score before half-time but her shot ended on the left post. For Australia the breakthrough came from Kerr who makes a defensive lap and Chao results it into the net. North Korea failed to equalise the score resulting in their defeat to the Matildas.
