The Australian women’s national football team secured a 2-1 victory over North Korea in the quarter-finals of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup on Friday at Perth Rectangular Stadium. The win guarantees Australia automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Alanna Kennedy opened the scoring in the ninth minute with her fifth goal of the tournament. Returning captain Sam Kerr extended the lead in the 47th minute following an aggressive high press before North Korea’s Chae Un-Yong scored a 65th-minute response.
Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold recorded nine saves to preserve the victory through eight minutes of stoppage time. The performance came as the team navigated defensive absences, including Steph Catley, who was sidelined due to a concussion.
The result marks a significant moment in international sports as the Matildas avenge their quarter-final exit at the 2022 Asian Cup against South Korea.
Matildas survive North Korea scare to book spot in Women’s Asian Cup semi-final#woso #WAC2026 #AUSvPRK
Australia win 2-1 over Korea DPR in nervous tussle in Perth
Goals from Kennedy and Kerr secure 2027 World Cup qualificationhttps://t.co/YbSHNi6TmU— Rarely Wright (@2Rarely) March 13, 2026
Head Coach Joe Montemurro addressed the defensive nature of the match in his post-match press conference.
“My remit is to win football matches and sometimes you have to have that flexibility,” Montemurro said. “In tournament football, you’ve got to play the like-for-like scenario and find a way… At this level, it’s all about moments. That’s all it is.”
Australia remains in Perth to face the winner of the China PR versus Chinese Taipei quarter-final. The semi-final match is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17.