What Is 2010 Women's Asian Cup

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2010 Women's Asian Cup was the 16th edition of the tournament, held in China from May 19 to 30, 2010. Australia won the championship by defeating South Korea 1–1 (5–4 on penalties) in the final after a 1–1 draw.

Key Facts

Host country: China
Tournament dates: May 19–30, 2010
Champions: Australia
Runner-up: South Korea
Final score: 1–1 (Australia won 5–4 on penalties)

Overview

The 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup was the 16th edition of Asia's premier women's football competition, organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Held in Chengdu, China, the tournament featured eight national teams competing for continental supremacy and qualification spots for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Played from May 19 to May 30, 2010, the event marked Australia's first Women's Asian Cup title, a historic achievement following their move from the Oceania Football Confederation to the AFC in 2006. The tournament also served as a qualifier for the 2011 World Cup, with the top five teams earning berths.

Australia won the tournament by defeating South Korea 1–1 (5–4 on penalties) in the final on May 30, 2010, securing their first continental title.
The competition was hosted in Chengdu, China, a city that previously hosted the 2007 Women's World Cup matches, providing strong infrastructure and fan support.
Eight teams participated: Australia, China PR, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Chinese Taipei, divided into two groups of four.
Sam Kerr, then 16 years old, made her tournament debut, foreshadowing her future stardom in international women’s football despite not scoring in this edition.
The tournament served as a qualifier for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, with Australia, China PR, Japan, North Korea, and South Korea all earning spots.

How It Works

The 2010 Women's Asian Cup followed a standard knockout and group stage format, culminating in a final to determine the champion. Teams competed in round-robin groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals.

Group Stage Format: The eight teams were split into two groups of four; each played a round-robin, with the top two advancing to the semifinals based on points, goal difference, and head-to-head results.
Knockout Rules: Semifinals and the final were single-elimination matches; if tied after 90 minutes, games went to extra time and then penalties, as seen in the final between Australia and South Korea.
Host Nation Role:China automatically qualified as host and was placed in Group A, avoiding the preliminary qualifiers that other teams had to navigate.
World Cup Qualification: The top five teams earned automatic qualification to the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany, making the stakes especially high for all participants.
Player Eligibility: All players had to be registered with their national association and meet AFC eligibility rules, including age and nationality requirements, verified before the tournament.
Refereeing Standards: Matches were officiated by AFC-certified referees, with video review not yet in use, relying on on-field decisions and assistant referees for calls.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five finishers in the 2010 Women's Asian Cup based on final standings, results, and World Cup qualification outcomes.

Team	Final Position	Result	2011 World Cup Qualification
Australia	Champion	1–1 (5–4 p)	Yes
South Korea	Runner-up	1–1 (4–5 p)	Yes
Japan	Third	Defeated North Korea 3–1	Yes
North Korea	Fourth	Lost to Japan 1–3	Yes
China PR	Fifth	Did not advance past group stage	Yes

The table highlights how competitive the tournament was, with all semifinalists and China PR qualifying for the 2011 World Cup. Australia’s victory was particularly significant as it signaled a shift in regional power, breaking the East Asian dominance previously held by China, Japan, and North Korea.

Why It Matters

The 2010 Women's Asian Cup had lasting implications for women's football in Asia, influencing development programs, regional rivalries, and global perceptions of the sport’s growth. It also elevated the profiles of emerging nations and players on the world stage.

Australia's rise as a football power was cemented, proving their integration into the AFC was successful both competitively and strategically.
The tournament highlighted increased competitiveness in Asian women's football, with South Korea reaching the final for the first time in history.
Development investment in countries like Vietnam and Myanmar began to show, though they didn’t advance, their participation reflected broader regional engagement.
The event provided global exposure ahead of the 2011 World Cup, helping teams refine tactics and build cohesion under pressure.
Young talents like Sam Kerr gained invaluable experience, setting the foundation for future international success and professional careers.
Hosting by China demonstrated the country’s continued commitment to women’s sports, despite declining performance of their national team.

Overall, the 2010 Women's Asian Cup was a pivotal moment in Asian football history, marking a transition in power dynamics and setting the stage for future growth in the women's game across the continent.