The draw for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup took place today in Sydney, determining Iran’s group-stage rivals as hosts Australia, South Korea, and the Philippines.

The 21st edition of Asia’s premier women’s football tournament will run from 1 to 21 March 2026 (10 Esfand 1404 to 1 Farvardin 1405) in Australia, featuring 12 teams split into three groups of four. Matches will be staged across five venues in Sydney, Gold Coast, and Perth.

Group Composition

• Group A: Australia, South Korea, Iran, Philippines
• Group B: North Korea, China, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan
• Group C: Japan, Vietnam, India, Chinese Taipei

From each group, the top two teams advance directly to the quarterfinals; the two best third-placed sides also join them. Quarterfinal winners secure both a spot in the semifinals and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four losing quarterfinalists will contest two playoff matches, with the winners clinching the final two World Cup berths.

Iran’s Group-Stage Schedule

• Monday, 11 Esfand 1404 (1 March 2026): Iran vs South Korea
• Thursday, 14 Esfand 1404 (4 March 2026): Iran vs Australia
• Sunday, 17 Esfand 1404 (7 March 2026): Iran vs Philippines

All Iran matches will be played in Group A host cities, with kickoff times to be confirmed by the AFC.