The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualification is the gateway for Asia’s top national teams to earn their spot in the continent’s most prestigious women’s football tournament. As the excitement builds for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, here’s everything fans need to know — from the format and participating teams to the latest match results and upcoming fixtures.
Qualification Schedule
The qualification matches for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup are being held in multiple rounds, starting from March 2025 and expected to conclude by late 2025. Matches are played in centralized venues across Asia.
| Round | Start Date | End Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Round | March 10, 2025 | March 25, 2025 | Completed |
| Second Round | July 2025 | August 2025 | Upcoming |
| Final Playoffs | October 2025 | November 2025 | Upcoming |
Participating Teams
More than 30 nations are competing for a place in the final tournament. Here’s a look at some of the key contenders and debutant teams:
Top Seeds:
- 🇯🇵 Japan
- 🇦🇺 Australia
- 🇰🇷 South Korea
- 🇨🇳 China PR (Defending Champions)
- 🇹🇭 Thailand
Debutants & Underdogs:
- 🇵🇸 Palestine
- 🇰🇼 Kuwait
- 🇲🇻 Maldives
- 🇲🇳 Mongolia
Qualification Format
The qualification process includes:
- Group Stage – Teams are divided into groups; group winners advance.
- Best Runners-Up – Depending on slots, some second-placed teams qualify.
- Final Round or Playoffs – If needed, additional matches decide the remaining qualifiers.
Each match follows FIFA rules, and goal difference is used as a tiebreaker.
Latest Results (First Round Highlights)
| Match | Score | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 🇯🇵 Japan vs 🇲🇳 Mongolia | 8–0 | March 12, 2025 |
| 🇰🇷 South Korea vs 🇲🇻 Maldives | 6-1 | March 13, 2025 |
| 🇮🇳 India vs 🇵🇸 Palestine | 3–2 | March 15, 2025 |
Stay tuned for the second round where the competition will intensify as teams fight for a coveted spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
Qualification Standings (Top 3 Groups)
| Group A | P | W | D | L | GD | PTs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳 China | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +10 | 9 |
| 🇵🇭 Philippines | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +4 | 6 |
| 🇲🇲 Myanmar | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -3 | 3 |
(Visit CricketOp.com for full group standings)
Where to Watch
Fans can catch live action on:
- AFC Official YouTube
- Sony Sports Network (India)
- beIN Sports (MENA)
- Local broadcasters depending on your region
Final Tournament Details
- Host Nation: TBA
- Final Tournament Dates: Expected mid-2026
- Number of Teams: 12 or 16 (to be confirmed)
Road to Glory: What’s at Stake for the Qualifying Teams
For every team participating in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, the journey is more than just about making it to the final tournament — it’s about pride, progress, and continental recognition. A successful qualification not only boosts national rankings but also brings increased media attention, sponsorship opportunities, and development funding to the team and federation. For debutant nations or underdogs, just competing at this level can inspire a new generation of female athletes back home.
Additionally, a place in the final tournament opens the door to potential World Cup qualification spots, depending on AFC allocations. Teams that perform well in the Asian Cup often go on to shine on the global stage. For players, it’s a chance to catch the eye of international scouts and clubs, potentially leading to professional contracts. In short, the qualifiers are a high-stakes gateway to regional and international glory — and every match matters.
How to Download the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers Schedule PDF
Fans who want to stay updated with every match, date, and group stage detail can now easily access the full schedule in PDF format. The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers 2026 Schedule PDF includes all fixture dates, kickoff times, host countries, and venues — making it the perfect tool for planning your viewing.
To download the PDF, simply visit the official AFC website or check the link provided on CricketOp.com under the fixtures section. Once downloaded, you can view it on your mobile, print it out, or even share it with other football fans. Having the full schedule at your fingertips means you’ll never miss a key game on the road to the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.