A clinical Japan swept past South Korea 4-1 on Wednesday to set up a Women's Asian Cup final against hosts Australia, with the two-time champions putting on a masterclass.

Defending champions China scored twice in extra-time to book a blockbuster semi-final with hosts Australia at the Women's Asian Cup after a tense 2-0 win over Taiwan on Saturday.

In the other match in Group B, Uzbekistan thrashed tournament debutants Bangladesh 4-0 to keep their hopes alive of reaching the knockout rounds as one of the two best third-placed teams.

Peter Butler-coached team responded strongly towards the end of the half, mounting sustained pressure and creating a couple of promising opportunities.

Uzbekistan suffered consecutive 3-0 defeats to defending champions China PR and DPR Korea.

US-based Reza Pahlavi lent his voice to a growing chorus calling for Australia to offer the women asylum, joining politicians, human rights activists, and even "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling.

Bangladesh’s campaign in the AFC Women's Asian Cup continued with a quick turnaround as the team travelled from Sydney to Perth on Saturday following their match against North Korea the previous day.

“We played an absolutely fantastic team today, probably one of the best, if not the best, in Asian football," said the Bangladesh coach.

There is a difference between facing an established champion and confronting a wounded giant hungry to reclaim lost ground.

After going toe to toe against defending champions China in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 opener, Bangladesh are set to face another tournament favourites in North Korea in their second Group B match at the Western Sydney Stadium in Australia today, eyeing another bold showing.

Many were surprised to see goalkeeper Mile Akter in Bangladesh’s starting XI for their AFC Women’s Asian Cup opener against nine-time champions China on Tuesday, as experienced Rupna Chakma was left on the bench.

Iran forward Sara Didar fought back tears when journalists asked her about the escalating military conflict in her country, as coach Marziyeh Jafari said her players were doing their best to focus on the Women's Asian Cup campaign despite concern for their families back home.

Myong Yu Jong bagged a first-half hat-trick as three-time champions North Korea marked their first Women's Asian Cup game since 2010 with a slick 3-0 win over Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

Bangladesh women’s football team are placing strong emphasis on tactical discipline in a bid to minimise mistakes and avoid heavy defeats in the group stage of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which got underway on Sunday with hosts Australia defeating the Philippines 1-0.

Football chiefs offered "full support and assistance" to the Iranian team in Australia Sunday for the Women's Asian Cup after the United States and Israel launched massive attacks on their homeland.

Young winger Sauravi Akanda Prity said Bangladesh are using their remaining training sessions to correct mistakes and settle into unfamiliar surroundings as the team finalises preparations for their historic debut in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.

Here are the team profiles of the 12 teams

Despite limitations in training and facilities, captain Afeida Khandoker has vowed that the team will give their best against Asia’s leading sides. She spoke to The Daily Star’s Anisur Rahman about expectations, preparation and future ambitions.

What started with a modest South Asian Games fixture against Nepal in 2010 has grown into one of the proudest journeys in Bangladesh sport, with the Bangladesh Women's football team now preparing for their maiden appearance at the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia – a historic milestone for the country’s women’s football programme.

China's Australian coach Ante Milicic believes North Korea may pose the biggest threat to China in the group stage but didn't want to take Bangladesh lightly in the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Sydney.