The CommBank Matildas have been drawn in Group A for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ on home soil in March.
Here is all you need to know about the team’s opponents in the group stage of the tournament.
Korea Republic
FIFA Ranking: 21
Korea Republic come into the tournament with high hopes after being defeated by China PR in the Final of the last AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2022.
They are a very familiar opponent for the CommBank Matildas. In 2022, they eliminated Australia at the quarter-final stage after a stunning goal from Chelsea FC legend Ji So-Yun.
More recently, they travelled to Australia to take part in a two-game friendly series in April 2025. The CommBank Matildas were victorious in both matches and did not concede a goal in the series.
Despite the results against Australia, they notched confidence-building draws against Japan and China PR in games played in July 2025.
They are an organised team who will pose problems in transition and with careful build-up play.
Head Coach: Shin Sang-Woo
Shin Sang-Woo has been the Head Coach of the Korea Republic since 2024, when he replaced Colin Bell.
The 49-year-old was a defender in his playing days and has been in various managerial roles since 2010. He was appointed after being an assistant coach at Gimcheon Sangmu between 2022-24, being a key part of their K-League 2 title in 2023 and third-place finish in the subsequent season.
Key Player: Ji So-Yun
At 34 years of age, this tournament may mark the final chance that legendary midfielder Ji So-Yun has to lift silverware with the Korea Republic.
She is best known for her spell at Chelsea from 2014-22, where she was a six-time WSL winner, four-time FA Cup winner, and a UEFA Women’s Champions League runner-up in 2020/21.
She has 74 goals in 169 appearances for the national team, including a last-minute equaliser against China PR in their most recent game.
Philippines
FIFA Ranking: 41
The Philippines made a name for themselves at the last AFC Women’s Asian Cup, reaching the semi-final stage and qualifying for their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup as a result. They’ll be hoping to continue that momentum this time around.
They qualified for the tournament after achieving a perfect record during qualifiers. They did not concede a goal in their three games.
Taking on Australia on the opening night of the tournament will be a special moment for Angie Beard, an Australian-born attacking full-back. It will also be a big occasion for Australian Head Coach Mark Torcaso.
The last time the teams met, it was a comprehensive 8-0 victory for Australia during the Olympic qualifying tournament in 2023. The Philippines have undergone a transformation in playing style in recent years during their rise up the FIFA Rankings. They may opt to try to take the game to the CommBank Matildas, and have players who are more than capable of causing more than a few problems.
After their success in recent years, they will back themselves to escape the group, and could well be a dark horse for the tournament.
Head Coach: Mark Torcaso
Mark Torcaso is a familiar face for Australian football fans. He made a name for himself in the NPLW Victoria with Calder United, before making the jump to Western United in their inaugural season in 2022/23, where they were defeated by Sydney FC in the Final.
Torcaso was called upon to replace Alen Stajcic after the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ and has continued to build upon the work of his predecessor in building a side that can compete at the highest level.
Key Player: Sarina Bolden
Sarina Bolden made international headlines at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ when she scored the first-ever goal for the Philippines at the global finals.
Australian fans will be familiar with her from her exploits in the A-League Women, featuring in two seasons for the Western Sydney Wanderers and the Newcastle Jets.
Bolden’s goals will be crucial if the Philippines can escape the group and have the opportunity to qualify for their second consecutive World Cup.
IR Iran
FIFA Ranking: 68
IR Iran will be the underdogs in Group A, but will be hoping to walk away with at least a point after steady improvement over recent years.
Iran made it to this stage of the tournament for the second time in their history after defeating Jordan 2-1 in their final game of qualification.
The last time that they played the CommBank Matildas, it ended in a 2-0 victory for Australia in late 2023. Fans walked away incredibly impressed by the tenaciousness and spirit of their opponents; however, Iran will arrive with that same spirit for the Asian Cup.
If they were to qualify out of the group, it would be the first time they have done so in their history.
Head Coach: Marziyeh Jafari
Marziyeh Jafari was announced as Head Coach in April this year, replacing Maryam Azmoun. Jafari was previously the Head Coach of the club side Bam Khatoon.
The 42-year-old was given the task of helping the team qualify for the Asian Cup – but now that they are here, she could write her name in Iranian football folklore if they were to reach the quarter-finals and have a chance of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ qualification.
Key Player: Zahra Ghanbari
Zahra Ghanbari is the captain and top goalscorer in IR Iran women’s football history. If her side hits the target during the tournament, it is likely to be Ghanbari who is involved in some way.
The 33-year-old is in good form, scoring two goals in the recent qualification tournament.
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™
CommBank Matildas v Philippines
Date: Sunday, 1 March 2026
Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth
Time: 5:00pm AWST/8:00pm AEDT
IR Iran v CommBank Matildas
Date: Thursday, 5 March 2026
Venue: Gold Coast Stadium, Gold Coast
Time: 7:00pm AEST/8:00pm AEDT
CommBank Matildas v Korea Republic
Date: Sunday, 8 March 2026
Venue: Stadium Australia, Sydney
Time: 8:00pm AEDT
