Matildas book World Cup spot, Spain favourite for Brazil 2027
Australia have become the first nation to secure qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, with the Matildas booking their place at the global tournament in Brazil after progressing to the semi-finals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
The 2023 co-hosts and semi-finalists sealed their berth with a 2-1 win over Korea DPR, ensuring they claimed the first of Asia’s six automatic qualifying spots for the 32-team tournament, which will run from June 24 to July 25 next year. The victory also confirmed Australia will appear at a ninth consecutive Women’s World Cup.
“Not many of us had much sleep, we’re absolutely buzzing. It was an incredible game, probably not our best performance, but we stuck in there,” Matilda’s midfielder Katrina Gorry said.
“There are a few tired bodies. We just want to stay in the moment, enjoy the fact that we’ve qualified (for the World Cup) and we’re through to a semifinal on home soil.”
Despite their strong recent pedigree, betting sites have installed the Matildas at 13.00 to win the title, a longer price than when they entered the 2024 event as co-hosts and one of the leading contenders. Defending champions Spain head the early market at 5.00, with England (6.00) and the United States (6.00) also strongly fancied. Spain claimed their first crown in 2023, while the USA lifted the trophy in both 2019 and 2015.
The Asian Football Confederation could have as many as eight representatives at the finals once intercontinental playoffs are completed, highlighting the growing strength of the women’s game across the region.
But the Matildas focus now goes to their AFC Women’s Asian Cup semi-final clash on Wednesday against China, with both of these teams among the favourites to win the tournament. The Matildas are paying 3.50 to win the entire tournament, while the Chinese are at 4.33.
South Korea and Japan will clash in the other semi-final, with the Japanese outfit favourite to advance through to the final, which will be played in Sydney on Saturday, March 21.
FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis said the Matildas were deserving of their position in the World Cup, and said they were doing their country proud
“There’s nothing like the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Only 32 teams earn the chance to step onto the biggest stage in women’s sport, and that moment represents years of belief, sacrifice and hard work. These players wore the Australia shirt with such pride – this is the realisation of a dream – this moment belongs to them,” she said.
“Being here in Australia, you can feel the energy around the women’s game. The football has been world-class, and the passion from the fans shows just how much the game has grown.
“The level of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup continues to rise every year, and you can see how much qualifying means to these teams. The players and staff should be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved, and I wish them every success as they continue their journey towards 2027.”
Australia’s core group is also entering a different stage of its cycle compared with the last World Cup. Star striker Sam Kerr will be 33 by the time the tournament begins in Brazil, while captain Steph Catley will be 33 and midfield engine Katrina Gorry 34.
That places added focus on the next generation of Matildas talent to support the established stars as Australia looks to build on its historic semi-final run in 2023 and push for a first Women’s World Cup title on South American soil.
