Australia Secures World Cup Berth

Australia's women's national football team, the Matildas, defeated North Korea 2-1 in the Women's Asian Cup quarterfinals on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Australia, thereby securing a spot in the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. Sam Kerr contributed one goal and an assist to the victory. North Korea, despite maintaining nearly two-thirds of possession and registering 21 shots with 10 on target, converted only one opportunity.

Alanna Kennedy opened the scoring for Australia in the ninth minute, converting a deflection after Kerr dispossessed North Korean captain An Kuk Hyang. Kerr then extended Australia's lead to 2-0 two minutes into the second half following a defensive error by North Korea. North Korea's Chae Un Yong scored in the 65th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1, but Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold prevented further goals.

All four semifinalists from the Women's Asian Cup automatically qualify for the next year's World Cup. North Korea will have another opportunity to qualify through a playoff next week, as the fifth and sixth-place teams in the continental tournament also secure World Cup berths. Australia will face the winner of the quarterfinal match between China and Taiwan.