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Kuala Lumpur: China PR will head into the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ knowing they will have to overcome a tough challenge if they are to retain the title.

The East Asian side clinched a record-extending ninth title at India 2022 in stunning fashion, coming from 2-0 down to defeat Korea Republic 3-2 in the final.

That triumph, however, did not spark a major resurgence as the likes of Japan and Australia continue to set the pace in Asia.

Factfile

‍FIFA World Ranking: 17

Head Coach: Ante Milicic (AUS)

How they got there: Defending champions  

Previous appearances: 15

Best placing: Champions (9 times) 2022 result: Champions

Fun fact: China PR have not missed a single edition of the AFC Women's Asian Cup since making their debut in 1986

Having won seven consecutive titles between 1986 and 1999, China had to wait till 2006 for their eighth and 16 years for their ninth as the East Asian side saw their dominance wane.

There is no denying China PR are determined to relive their glory years, which included a runners-up finish in the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup and the appointment of the vastly experienced Ante Milicic as head coach highlights their ambitions.

Milicic, who took charge in May 2024, has acknowledged that it will take a lot of hard work for China PR to reclaim their footing as Asia's top team but the Australian has confidence that it can be achieved.

The recent EAFF E-1 Women's Football Championship has given Milicic the opportunity to gauge his players against the likes of Chinese Taipei, Japan and Korea Republic - with all three teams among their challengers at Australia 2026.

Particularly pleasing would have been China PR's competitiveness against eventual champions Korea Republic and Japan, with Milicic's side holding both to draws.

That Milicic has quality at his disposal is undoubted and Wuhan Jiangda's AFC Women's Champions League™ 2024/25 title triumph is further proof that China PR can be a force at Australia 2026.

Experience is also in abundance, with the mercurial Wang Shuang to lead the squad while other key players include captain Wu Haiyan and midfielders Tang Jiali and Yao Wei.

Milicic has stressed he will spare no effort in getting his squad ready for the AFC Women's Asian Cup and, despite the odds, China PR's chances for a 10th title cannot be ruled out.

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