The Junior Matildas have qualified for the Under-17 World Cup for the first time since Australia’s move to the Asian Confederation, thanks to a 2-0 win over Vietnam in the quarter finals of the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026, which also sets up a semi final date against Japan.
The win at the Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium seals Michael Cooper’s side’s progress to the showpiece event in Morocco in October.
Kaya Jugovic’s shot from the left was too hot to handle and Frideriki Karaberis was the quickest to react in the 28th minute.
The side went 2-0 up in exquisite fashion, with Leyla Hussein chipping the keeper from the right side of the box.
“To see this group achieve something so significant is incredibly special,” Cooper said.
“From the first day we came together, there’s been a real intent in how they have trained, connected and represented their country.
“They have embraced every challenge along the way and stayed focused on what we are building as a team. Earning a place at the U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup is a fantastic reward for their effort and an important step in their development as players and people.
“We will make sure we take a moment tonight to enjoy what we’ve achieved, but we also remain focused on this tournament with a semi-final ahead and more we want to deliver this campaign.”
They next take on Uzbekistan.
Australia’s place at this year’s showpiece event in Qatar was secured following defending champions Uzbekistan’s 3-0 win over India at the AFC U17 Asian Cup.
Both teams have only played one match in Group D, but are already assured of their World Cup berth following North Korea’s withdrawal prior to the Asian Cup. The Joeys, who crushed India 4-0 in their tournament opener, and Uzbekistan will go head-to-head on Wednesday.
It means the Joeys are set to feature at the U17 World Cup for the first time since 2019, when they reached the Round of 16 with players like Ryan Teague, Noah Botic, Dundee United-bound Joshua Rawlins and Cameron Peupion.