Women's Asian Cup 2026: What time do the Matildas play? How to watch and follow Australia vs North Korea

The Matildas have headed back to Perth for tonight's Women's Asian Cup quarter-final, where they take on a formidable North Korean side.

Unlike the opening game of the tournament, which was held at the 60,000-capacity Perth Stadium, this fixture is at the 20,000-seat Perth Rectangular Stadium. 

Organisers had been banking on the Matildas finishing first in their group to play their last eight clash at the much bigger Stadium Australia in Sydney, but their frustrating 3-3 draw with South Korea has seen them go west. 

It also means they have a tougher assignment in the quarterfinals, going up against the North Koreans, who have impressed in the tournament so far, and lost to China in a controversial final group game.

The winner will progress to the first semifinal at Perth Stadium on Tuesday night. The victor will also secure automatic qualification for next year's Women's World Cup in Brazil.

ABC Sport is covering all the action, so make sure to bookmark abc.net.au/news/sport on your phone and computer.

This is how to watch and how to follow the Matildas vs North Korea.

What time do the Matildas play North Korea?

The Matildas' quarterfinal is on Friday, March 13 at Perth Rectangular Stadium, 6pm AWST, which is:  

• 9pm in NSW, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania
• 8:30pm in South Australia
• 8pm in Queensland
• 7:30pm in the Northern Territory

How can I watch and follow the Matildas?

ABC Sport is live blogging every moment of Australian action at the 2026 Women's Asian Cup. Our live coverage, as well as analysis, feature articles and all the tournament's biggest storylines, can be found here.

The ABC is also providing live radio broadcasts of all Matildas matches and all knockout games, with a dedicated Asian Cup button on ABC Listen.

You can also watch all Matildas matches live on Network 10, with the entire tournament being streamed on Paramount+.

What has happened so far?

The Matildas won their opening two games of the tournament, a 1-0 win over the Philippines in Perth and a 4-0 win over Iran on the Gold Coast.

As expected, South Korea provided them with the sternest opposition of the group stage. They had to win to finish top of the group, but could only manage a late draw in Sydney. 

North Korea finished second in group B and had a controversial end to their last game against China. 

It's the first time the North Koreans have competed at a major senior women's international competition in 15 years, and they have shown plenty of signs that they will push the Australians all the way.

Who is in the Matildas squad?

Hayley Raso and Steph Catley have both been ruled out of this game due to concussion. 

Raso was replaced by Mary Fowler on the wing in the game against South Korea. If coach Joe Montemurro wants to shake things up, Amy Sayer or Holly McNamara could be other options. 

Courtney Nevin replaced Catley at left-back when she exited the South Korea game early. But Nevin didn't have her best night, and it could open the door for Kaitlyn Torpey.

Kyra Cooney-Cross got her first minutes of the tournament late in that game, and would be a valuable addition to the midfield. 

Click here for our analysis of the Matildas' third group game, and here for a complete guide to the entire Matildas squad.

How do I sign up for ABC Sport alerts?

If you want to be alerted about all the tournament's biggest news, make sure to download the ABC News app on your mobile phone.

Then head to "profile and settings", tap "notifications", then switch on the "breaking news" slider and tap "sport" under the topics section.