Australia become first nation to qualify for 2027 World Cup

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·13 March 2026

Australia become first nation to qualify for 2027 World Cup

Australia have become the first nation to book their place at the 2027 World Cup, according to L'Équipe. They sealed qualification with a 2-1 win over North Korea in the Asian Cup quarter-finals, joining Brazil, the host nation, at the finals.

Alanna Kennedy and star striker Sam Kerr, of Chelsea, scored to send the Matildas into the semi-finals on home soil. Reaching the last four delivers an automatic World Cup berth.

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It confirms Australia’s presence at a ninth consecutive World Cup.

The tournament has featured 32 teams since 2023, with expansion to 48 planned for 2031.

Within the Asian confederation, which includes Australia, between six and eight places are available. The four Asian Cup semi-finalists qualify directly, with the remaining berths to be decided among the quarter-final losers.

Source: L'Équipe