The Matildas Face North Korea in a Quarter-Final We Can't Miss

Tonight, the CommBank Matildas take on Korea DPR in the quarter-finals of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 — and if you're not watching, you absolutely should be.

The Matildas face Korea DPR at Perth Rectangular Stadium tonight, Friday 13 March, kicking off at 9pm AEDT / 6pm AWST, live on Network 10 and Paramount+. A place in the semi-finals is on the line — and with it, automatic qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027.

How did we get here?

The Matildas' path to the quarter-finals has been anything but straightforward. A thrilling 3-3 draw against Korea Republic at a packed Stadium Australia on Sunday night showcased the team's attacking firepower and fighting spirit — but it also meant they finished second in Group A, setting up a tougher road through the knockout stage.

That result relegated them from Sydney to Perth, where they now face world No.9 North Korea — the tournament's dark horse. 

A formidable opponent

Don't underestimate Korea DPR. Their physicality has been on full display, with wins against Uzbekistan (3-0) and Bangladesh (5-0) in the group stage. They are fast, aggressive, and relentless, and the Matildas know it.

Captain Sam Kerr has acknowledged just how tough this match will be, saying the team has to "be ready to fight from the first minute," adding that North Korea are a side who "never, never give up." 

Injury concerns

The Matildas will be without both Steph Catley and Hayley Raso for tonight's clash, two significant absences that will test the squad's depth heading into the biggest game of their tournament so far.

Why tonight matters — beyond football

At Hero Athletica, we believe moments like this are about so much more than a result. Tournaments like the Women's Asian Cup, played on home soil, in front of packed Australian crowds, are exactly the kind of thing that changes a young girl's relationship with sport forever. These are the moments that make girls believe they belong on the field. We saw it with the Matildas at the 2023 World Cup, an entire generation of girls falling in love with football. Tonight has the potential to do it all over again.

So whether you're watching from the couch, a pub, or the stands in Perth, get behind the Matildas tonight.

Til it's done. 💛💚

Australia vs Korea DPR | Perth Rectangular Stadium | 9pm AEDT / 6pm AWST | Live on Network 10 and Paramount+