Asian Cup Women - Qualification 2026/27

The AFC Women's Asian Cup stands as the premier senior women's national team football competition in Asia, organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). It represents the highest level of the continental pyramid, serving a role equivalent to the UEFA Women's Euro or Copa América Femenina within their respective regions.

The qualification process was formally established in 2005 for the edition held that year, marking the first merit-based tournament after previous invitations. For the 2026 cycle, 34 teams were divided into eight groups, with group winners securing direct qualification. Automatic places were reserved for the host nation, Australia, and the top three finishers from the previous final tournament, including China, Japan, and South Korea. North Korea also earned an automatic spot as a top-three finisher in 2022, having additionally topped their qualifying group.

The final tournament comprises 12 teams. Australia hosted the 2026 edition, where Japan defeated the hosts 1-0 in the final to claim their third title, adding to victories in 2014 and 2018. China holds the record for the most titles with nine wins. The competition has historically served as a qualifier for the FIFA Women's World Cup, with the top six teams advancing to the 2027 tournament in Brazil.

Reforms announced in 2024 indicate a structural change for future cycles. Starting with the 2031 World Cup, the Asian Cup will no longer act as a World Cup qualifier. Instead, it will become the pathway for the AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where the top eight finishers compete for Olympic spots. The tournament is scheduled to shift to odd-numbered years beginning in 2029, with Uzbekistan set to host that edition. Distinct from the multi-sport Asian Games and the standalone Olympic Qualifying Tournament, this event remains the sole senior continental championship for Asian women's football.