Defending champions China clinch a semi-final against hosts Australia and a place in the 2027 World Cup.
Posted on March 14, 2026
Defending champions China scored twice in extra time to book a blockbuster semi-final against hosts Australia in the Women’s Asian Cup after a tense 2-0 win over Taiwan.
Shao Ziqin brilliantly shot into the right corner in the 94th minute before winning a penalty in the second half of added time of Saturday’s match.
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Substitute Wurigumula missed the penalty but China sealed the victory at Perth’s Rectangular Stadium with an own goal from Chen Ying-hui.
It kept China’s bid to extend its record tenth title on track, and the victory also ensured its direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
They will face the Matildas on Tuesday at the 60,000-capacity Perth Stadium after the hosts beat North Korea 2-1 in the round of 16.
China will be without star midfielder Wang Shuang, who received a yellow card for the second game in a row.
“Of course, she is a loss. There will be a chance for someone else,” said China head coach Ante Milicic.
“These girls are very resilient. I will support my girls against any opponent.”
Taiwan now advances to a playoff against North Korea with an automatic World Cup berth at stake.
“They put everything they have on the field and showed how strong their heart is,” Taiwan head coach Prasobchoke Chokemor said.
“We are still on track to pursue our World Cup dream.”
The quarterfinals had a political undertone given China’s claim to the autonomous island of Taiwan, which competes under the name “Chinese Taipei” in international sporting events.
It is part of a political compromise with China that allows them to participate in major competitions without presenting themselves as a sovereign nation.
The crowd of 5,238 was relatively divided among fan bases, although the Taiwanese contingent was more vocal.
There were some Chinese fans waving flags and wearing t-shirts with the words “China is my faith” written on the back.
Like China, Taiwan has enjoyed strong support at the tournament, but controversy erupted in the stands during their final match in Sydney.
Former Taiwan coach Chen Kuei-jen was ejected from the stadium for leading a chant of “Taiwan Jiayu” or “Go Taiwan.”
There seemed to be no repeat on Saturday.
Taiwan is known for its tenacious defense, but displayed offensive talent in the early exchanges.
China took control in midfield and dominated possession and appeared to capitalize just before the break when Wang headed home, prompting jubilation from the Chinese fans.
But their celebrations were cut short when the goal was disallowed due to a handball from Wang early in the chain.
China stepped on the accelerator after the break, but Taiwan threatened on the counterattack.
In the closing stages of regulation time, substitute Yao Wei’s bullet hit the crossbar as the game went into extra time, where Shao stepped up.
South Korea faces Uzbekistan, Japan plays Philippines in another quarterfinal
On Friday, Sam Kerr scored one goal and created another as Australia advanced and clinched a World Cup spot with a 2-1 win over North Korea.
South Korea will face Uzbekistan later on Saturday in another quarter-final in Sydney.
On Sunday, Japan enters the final quarterfinals against the Philippines, also in Sydney, with three wins in three games and a tournament-leading 17 clean sheets.
The semi-finals are set for Tuesday and Wednesday and the final will be played next Saturday in Sydney.
The four semifinalists of the Women’s Asian Cup automatically qualify for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
The North Koreans will have another chance to qualify for the World Cup in next Thursday’s playoff in Australia; The teams that finish fifth and sixth in this continental tournament will also get a place in Brazil.
The end of the group stage earlier in the week was overshadowed by Iran’s exit from the tournament and the granting of asylum to members of the delegation.
