The draw for the 2026 Asian Women's Cup qualifiers took place on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Australia, resulting in exciting matchups for the Saudi women’s national team. For the first time in history, the Saudi team will compete in this tournament, having been placed in Group Seven alongside the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Cambodia, the latter being the host for the group matches.
With 34 teams vying for a spot in the finals, the qualifiers will run from June 23 to July 5, 2025. This competition marks a significant milestone for the Saudi women's team, which is eager to establish its presence on the Asian and international stages. The stakes are high, as only the top team from each of the eight groups will secure a place in the finals, joining the host nation Australia and the top three finishers from the previous Asian Cup held in India in 2022: China, South Korea, and Japan.
The tournament is structured into eight groups, with six groups containing four teams each and two groups featuring five teams. Matches will be played in a centralized format across various host nations including Cambodia, Indonesia, Jordan, Myanmar, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. Group One features a competitive lineup with Iran, Jordan (the host), Lebanon, Singapore, and Bhutan. Meanwhile, Group Two includes Thailand (the host), India, Mongolia, Timor-Leste, and Iraq.
Group Three showcases Myanmar (the host), Bahrain, Bangladesh, and Turkmenistan, while Group Four consists of Chinese Taipei, Indonesia (the host), Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan. Group Five includes Vietnam (the host), Guam, the UAE, and Maldives, and Group Six features Uzbekistan (the host), Nepal, Laos, and Sri Lanka. The Saudi team’s group, Group Seven, will see them contend against the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Cambodia, while Group Eight includes North Korea, Malaysia, Palestine, and Tajikistan (the host).
As the draw was announced, excitement surged within the Saudi camp. The matches for the Saudi team are set to begin with their first encounter against the Philippines on June 29, 2025, followed by a match against Hong Kong on July 2, and concluding with their final group match against Cambodia on July 5. This series of matches presents a unique opportunity for the Saudi women to showcase their talent and determination.
The significance of this tournament cannot be understated. It is a chance for the Saudi women’s team to not only compete but to also gain valuable experience on an international level. Coach and players alike are optimistic about their chances, eager to make a mark in this prestigious event. The team’s preparation is already underway, with training sessions ramping up as they gear up for the qualifiers.
"This is a historic moment for us, and we are ready to give our best performance," said a representative from the Saudi team. The sentiment reflects a collective aspiration to rise to the occasion and compete fiercely against their opponents.
In addition to the competitive aspect, this tournament also represents a broader movement towards women's empowerment in sports within the region. The participation of the Saudi women's team in such a significant event is a testament to the progress being made in promoting women’s sports in Saudi Arabia.
As the qualifiers approach, fans and supporters are rallying behind the team, eager to see how they will fare against their rivals. The excitement is palpable, and the stakes are high as the team prepares to embark on this journey. With their first match only weeks away, the anticipation continues to build.
In summary, the draw for the 2026 Asian Women’s Cup qualifiers has set the stage for a thrilling competition, especially for the Saudi women’s national team. With a challenging group ahead and a historic first appearance in the qualifiers, the team is poised to make a significant impact. As they prepare for their matches in June, all eyes will be on the Saudi squad as they aim for victory and a place in the finals.
