CommBank Junior Matildas have secured qualification for their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Vietnam 2-0 in the quarter finals of the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup 2026™.
The result confirms Australia’s place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026™, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s youth pathway and for the next generation of Australian women’s footballers.
The CommBank Junior Matildas will now turn their attention to the semi-finals of the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup, where they will face Japan this Thursday 14 May at 3pm local/5pm AEST.
Quote attributable to CommBank Junior Matildas Head Coach, Michael Cooper:
“To see this group achieve something so significant is incredibly special. 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.”
Quote attributable to Football Australia’s Executive Director Football, Heather Garriock:
“We are extremely proud of our CommBank Junior Matildas, Michael Cooper and all the staff that have worked so hard to achieve this milestone.
“This success is shared by everyone involved in the women’s football pathway and a clear reflection of the work being done across the country to support and develop young players.
“Qualifying for our first U-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup is a significant milestone, and one that highlights the continued progress being made in providing young players with the opportunity to compete, grow and succeed on the international stage.”
The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026™ will run from 17 October – 7 November 2026.