Australia vs North Korea Quarterfinal – When Do the Matildas Play?

Melbourne, March 13: Australia’s women’s national football team, the Matildas, will face a formidable North Korean side today in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup. The crucial match will be played at Perth Rectangular Stadium in Perth.

While the tournament’s opening match was held at the 60,000-capacity Perth Stadium, today’s quarterfinal will take place at the smaller Perth Rectangular Stadium, which has a capacity of around 20,000 spectators.

Organisers had hoped the Matildas would finish first in their group and play their quarterfinal at the much larger Stadium Australia in Sydney. However, a frustrating 3–3 draw against South Korea forced the Australian team to return to Perth.

Matildas captain leads the team as Australia prepares to face North Korea in the Women’s Asian Cup quarterfinal.

As a result, they now face a tougher challenge in the quarterfinals against North Korea, a team that has impressed throughout the tournament. North Korea finished second in Group B after a controversial defeat to China in their final group match.

ABC Sport is providing live blog coverage, analysis and updates throughout the tournament. Fans can also follow the Matildas’ matches through live radio broadcasts on the ABC Listen app.

Meanwhile, all Matildas matches are being broadcast live in Australia on Network 10, with the entire tournament available for streaming on Paramount+.

The Matildas won their first two matches of the competition, defeating the Philippines 1–0 in Perth before securing a convincing 4–0 victory over Iran on the Gold Coast.

Their toughest challenge in the group stage came against South Korea. Australia needed a win to top the group, but a late goal meant they had to settle for a 3–3 draw.

For today’s match, Hayley Raso and Steph Catley have both been ruled out due to concussion.

Mary Fowler replaced Raso on the wing during the match against South Korea. If coach Joe Montemurro decides to make further changes, Amy Sayer or Holly McNamara could also be considered.

Courtney Nevin stepped in at left-back after Catley left the South Korea game early. However, following a difficult performance, Kaitlyn Torpey could be given an opportunity in the starting lineup.

Midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross also made her first appearance of the tournament late in the South Korea match and could play an important role in this crucial fixture.

According to ABC, the winner of this match will progress to the first semifinal at Perth Stadium next Tuesday. The victorious team will also secure automatic qualification for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Matildas players during a training session in Perth before their crucial quarterfinal clash with North Korea. Image: Facebook

When does the match start?

The quarterfinal between the Matildas and North Korea will take place today, Friday, March 13.

Kick-off times across Australia are as follows:

• New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and ACT: 9:00 pm

• South Australia: 8:30 pm

• Queensland: 8:00 pm

• Northern Territory: 7:30 pm