Matildas Hold Off DPR Korea 2-1 to Reach Women’s Asian Cup Semifinals, Secure World Cup Spot

The Matildas defeated DPR Korea 2-1 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup on Friday, 13 March, at Perth Rectangular Stadium, advancing to the semifinals and securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Australia’s victory was built on clinical finishing from Alanna Kennedy and Sam Kerr, who also assisted Kennedy’s opener, capitalising on defensive lapses from the three-time East Asian champions, according to ABC News and AP News. Despite being out-possessed for much of the match, the Matildas defended resolutely under constant pressure, with goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold making key saves throughout.

Kennedy broke the deadlock in the ninth minute after Kerr dispossessed North Korean captain An Kuk Hyang and delivered a cross into the box. Kennedy’s finish, her fifth of the tournament, sailed over the goalkeeper, giving Australia an early advantage. Two minutes into the second half, Kerr doubled the lead with a precise left-footed strike following a back-pass error, sending the home crowd of 16,466 spectators into celebration.

DPR Korea responded in the 65th minute when Kim Kyong Yong found Chae Un Yong, who converted a well-placed cross to pull the visitors back into the contest. North Korea continued pressing for an equaliser, registering 21 shots with 10 on target (AP News), but Arnold and the Australian defence maintained composure to preserve the lead. The Matildas’ total attempts numbered six, with two on target, highlighting the efficiency of their attacking conversion.

Head coach Joe Montemurro emphasised the significance of tactical flexibility and maintaining shape under pressure. “Sometimes you have to adapt to the situation, and the players understand that,” Montemurro said. He noted that the match not only secured progression in the tournament but also instilled confidence within the squad. “Games like this make you believe. The players now trust they can compete at the top level,” he added.

Montemurro’s team had to adjust to the absence of key players Hayley Raso and Steph Catley, both sidelined due to injury. Kaitlyn Torpey stepped into left-back and delivered a composed performance, helping neutralise North Korea’s frequent wing attacks. Montemurro also praised the leadership of Kerr and Kennedy, whose goals proved decisive under intense pressure.

DPR Korea head coach Ri Song Ho acknowledged his team’s spirited performance despite the defeat. “Even though we lost, I’m proud that our players fought until the very last moment,” Ri said, according to the AFC. “We conceded two goals from simple mistakes, and that made the difference. Matches like this are a valuable lesson for our development.”

Both teams adopted a high-press approach, but it was Australia who capitalised on early mistakes. North Korea came close in the fifth minute when Ri Hye Gyong’s header narrowly missed the target, and again late in the first half when Myong Yu Jong’s shot beat Arnold but struck the right post. Kerr’s second-half goal followed defensive pressure applied by Katrina Gory, leading to a turnover and a decisive finish by the Matildas (AFC).

By finishing second in Group A, Australia avoided a semifinal clash with tournament favourites Japan, who led Group B, giving the Matildas a clearer route through the final four. They now face the winner of the quarterfinal between China PR and Chinese Taipei in the semifinals, scheduled for Tuesday at Perth Stadium, with the match also streamed on ABC iview.

The result also ensures Australia’s participation in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil alongside the other three semifinalists. DPR Korea will have a second opportunity to qualify via a playoff against either China PR or Chinese Taipei.

Kerr reflected on the role of home support in the win: “The crowd got us over the line”. Montemurro reiterated that the match was as much about building belief as it was about advancing in the tournament. The squad’s blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents now positions Australia as strong contenders for the AFC title while carrying momentum into the World Cup next year.

Key Stats:

• Score: Australia 2–1 DPR Korea

• Goals: Alanna Kennedy 9’ (assist: Sam Kerr), Sam Kerr 47’

• DPR Korea goal: Chae Un Yong 65’

• Shots (DPR Korea): 21 total, 10 on target

• Shots (Australia): 6 total, 2 on target

• Possession: DPR Korea ~65%

• Attendance: 16,466