The CommBank Matildas will take on China PR on Tuesday evening, after China required extra time to defeat Chinese Taipei 2-0 in their quarter-final on Saturday.
Led by former Matildas coach Ante Milicic, China are a hard-working, physical, and technically gifted side. The 2022 champions are determined to defend their title and will be a formidable opponent in Perth.
Read our preview of the action below.
The Tournament so Far
The CommBank Matildas went undefeated during the group stage, but their 3-3 draw with Korea Republic on matchday three saw them finish second in Group A. That meant they travelled to Perth to play Korea DPR in the quarter-final on Tuesday. Goals to Alanna Kennedy and Sam Kerr – plus a sturdy defensive effort – saw them overcome an incredibly strong side 2-1 and reach the semi-final stage.
China PR were in a similar situation in Group B, needing to win in the final group stage game to top the group. They came from behind to do so against Korea DPR, with goals from Chen Qiaozhu and Wang Shuang securing the victory. That meant they came up against an incredibly resilient Chinese Taipei in the quarter-final on Saturday. Chinese Taipei took the game into extra time before Shao Ziqin finally broke through in the 94th minute.
Our Opponents
FIFA World Ranking: 17
China PR are one of the heavyweights of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™, having won the tournament an astonishing nine times. They have participated in 15 Asian Cups and have finished on the podium on all but one occasion, when they finished fourth in 2010. Their remarkable consistency on this stage holds them in good stead for this edition of the tournament.
They have had some inconsistency and patchy results between their tournament win in 2022 and now. They had a disappointing FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ when they failed to advance from their group. In late 2025, England inflicted a very heavy 8-0 defeat in a friendly. These results may have given the impression that China would not be at their best for this tournament, but they have shown so far that the impression was almost certainly mistaken.
Australian Ante Milicic was appointed as the Head Coach in May 2024. He knows the Matildas inside and out, having coached them between February 2019 and July 2020. He has been consistent with setting up matches against challenging opposition to give them the best possible preparation for this tournament.
Wang Shuang is a key player for China PR. The creative playmaker has scored two goals at this tournament, as well as an assist, and has been the centre of everything for China in an attacking sense. However, she will be unavailable for the semi-final due to suspension – she accumulated two yellow cards across the group stage and quarter-final.
In the post-match press conference after their quarter-final win, Milicic was unworried about the loss of Wang, and the effects of having to play an extra 30 minutes – and, given the extent of their squad rotation and the team’s history at this tournament, his confidence is understandable.
There are plenty of quality players who will step up in her absence. Shao Ziqin has been very impressive, with two goals and an assist so far, including the all-important opener against Chinese Taipei. Wurigumula is yet to score at this tournament, but the former Central Coast Mariners player has been a regular in the team at this tournament as well.
In defence, speedy fullback Chen Qiaozhu has caught the eye and will be key to disrupting Australia’s chances.
Last Time We Met
The CommBank Matildas last played China PR in a friendly series in May 2024, not long after Milicic’s appointment. Michelle Heyman scored a late equaliser in the first game to secure a 1-1 draw, before Clare Wheeler and Hayley Raso were on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win in Sydney.
Australia and China PR have met 44 times in women’s internationals. The Matildas have won 13 times. There have been 12 draws and 19 losses. In Australia, however, China PR have only won once.
The last time that China PR defeated Australia was in 2012.
What To Expect
China PR are a team built on winning their physical duels, and having the technical capability to capitalise on their chances. They have used every outfield member of their 26-player squad and will have the fresh legs to match.
"They're not the reigning champions for no reason," Ellie Carpenter said on Sunday.
"With Ante [Milicic] as their coach as well, I'm sure he's instilled the belief, the grit, and a Never-Say-Die attitude in China as well.
"They're a great team. They have great depth. They made a lot of changes during their match yesterday, and they're still strong. We know it's going to be a fight, and whether that's 90 minutes or extra time, we have to put everything on the line, because that's tournament football.
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Semi-Final
China PR v CommBank Matildas
Date: Tuesday, 17 March 2026
Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth
Time: 6:00pm AWST/9:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+
Radio: ABC Sport & ABC Listen
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