The Philippines is drawn into Group A of the 2026 AFC Women's Asia Cup, July 29, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. AFC photo
MANILA -- The Philippine Women's National Football Team has been drawn into a tough group in next year's AFC Women's Asia Cup 2026.
The Filipinas are in Group A along with host and world No. 15 Australia, world no. 21 Korea Republic and world no. 68 IR Iran.
The groups were announced in a draw ceremony on Tuesday held in Sydney.
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In the 2022 edition of the tournament, Korea Republic finished as runner-up after knocking out the Philippines in the semifinals. Korea Republic also eliminated Australia in the quarterfinals.
Iran will be making its debut in the tournament after emerging as Group G winners in the qualifiers.
Defending champion and world no. 17 China is in Group B, along with world no. 9 DPR Korea, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan.
Group C comprises world No. 7 Japan, world no. 37 Vietnam, Chinese Taipei and India.
As host, Australia takes the top seed in the tournament while the other seeding will be determined by the latest FIFA rankings before the draw.
The three group winners, the runners-up and the two best third placed teams will qualify for the knockout stage or quarterfinals.
The top six ranked teams at the end of the tournament will qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. The seventh and eighth teams will meanwhile receive an indirect slot.
There will also be two playoff matches among the losing teams in the quarterfinals, where the two winners will directly qualify for the Women's World Cup.
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The losing teams will represent Asia in the intercontinental playoff matches.
Filipinas head coach Mark Torcaso was present at the draw ceremony.
He aims to lead the squad back to the Women's World Cup, after its historic qualification and campaign in 2022.
Australia and the Philippines will play the opening match of the tournament on March 1, 2026 in Perth Stadium.
The AFC Women's Asian Cup is slated for March 1 to 21, 2026 in Australia.