The stage has been officially set for the Continent’s flagship women’s national team showpiece, following the conclusion of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Final Draw on Tuesday evening.Via AFC

With almost their entire first-team squad playing abroad, primarily in England's Women's Super League but some elsewhere in Europe also in the American National Women's Soccer League, Nadeshiko are arguably the most star-studded outfit in Asia rivalled only by Australia.

Defending champions China have been drawn to face North Korea, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan in the group phase of the 2026 Women's Asian Cup with hosts Australia opening the three-week-long tournament against the Philippines on March 1 in Perth.