Above: The Chinese Women’s National Team lines up for a team photo. Image: People China.
By Genevieve Henry (22/2/26).
The Chinese Women’s National Team — The Steel Roses — are the most titled team in the history of the Asian Cup. Although they won the 2022 edition, they may not be in quite as good of a position. Falling in their most recent friendlies in dramatic fashion to England and Scotland, China haven’t had a fantastic string of results as of late. But one thing that should give the Steel Roses confidence is they tied both Japan and South Korea in the summer of 2025, proving they can handle two of their greatest competitors.
With most players plying their trade domestically, their lack of international variation could be a detriment against teams like Japan and Australia. Competing in Group B with North Korea, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan, China will have a good test before likely advancing on in the tournament. The Steel Roses are the best team in Asia historically — can they continue this legacy?
Squad:
TBA.
Head Coach:
China’s head coach is someone with whom Australia is familiar: Ante Milicic. Milicic has coached and played for clubs all over Australia, most notably coaching youth levels and the senior women’s national team. After coaching the Matildas from 2019-2020, Milicic worked for Macarthur FC in the A-League Men for two years. Since being appointed as manager for China in 2024, Milicic has had mixed results playing tough teams.
Asian Cup History:
China have played in 16 Asian Cups, winning 9 of them. This impressive record is made more impressive by the fact that they achieved 7 of these victories consecutively, from 1986 to 1999. They won the most recent edition, beating South Korea in the 2022 final.
How They Qualified:
China qualified for the 2026 Asian Cup automatically by winning the 2022 edition.
Strengths:
Under Milicic, the Steel Roses are looking to tighten up their tactics, focusing on pressing and more structured play. China has been scoring somewhat freely lately, racking up multiple results with four or more goals in their matches in 2025. If they can continue to score at a high rate, they may rely on this to combat defensive weaknesses.
Development Areas:
Historically, China has excelled more defensively, but they have been quite leaky lately. Shipping 8 against England, 3 against Scotland, and 2 against Asian opponents Chinese Taipei and South Korea in some of their most recent results paints a grim picture. The only bright spot was a 0-0 draw against Japan, which stands out as a point of optimism.
Key Players:
The Steel Roses’ captain Wu Haiyan has been playing for China since 2012, racking up 124 caps. The 32 year old has scored two goals over the years, but her impact goes beyond the stats. Her leadership qualities in the defense could prove critical in this tournament. She plays for Chinese club Wuhan Jiangda, helping to lead them in their domination of both China and Asia, even winning the AFC Women’s Champions League in 2025.
Wang Shuang is the highest scoring active player for China, with 47 goals in 126 appearances. The 31 year old has played all over the world, from Racing Louisville in the NWSL to Paris Saint-Germain to Tottenham in the WSL. She now plays for Wuhan Jiangda alongside many of her national teammates. Wang was the star of the 2022 Asian Cup, scoring 5 goals to help China win their ninth title.
Wang Yenwen is one of few players to play for a non domestic club, plying her trade for Dijon in France. The 26 year old midfielder made her debut for China in 2021 and has since appeared 23 times, scoring 4 goals. Her workrate in the middle of the park helps contribute to a smoother system. 2025 was her best year in a China shirt, appearing 9 times and scoring 2 goals, against Uzbekistan and Chinese Taipei. A player in the prime of her career, she bridges the gap between a large portion of veterans and a few rising stars.
One to Watch:
22 year old forward Shao Ziqin could set the Asian Cup on fire. Towering above not only most of her team, but most players she will face in the tournament at 5’ 10”, Ziqin offers something special up top for China. With an astonishing 8 goals in 9 appearances, a firing Ziqin could be the Steel Roses’ secret weapon. She plays for Jiangsu in the Chinese Women’s Super League.
Success Would Be:
For a team that has won so many trophies, China will always want to win another and extend their lead in trophy count even further. Realistically, this team should qualify for the World Cup by making it to the semifinals at least.
Prediction:
Semifinal exit. Although they are historically strong, China may not have the juice right now to take their tenth trophy home – this might be where their strength lies, however. China has always excelled in the Asian Cup and their consistency could lead them to great heights.
Fixtures:
3rd March — China vs Bangladesh, 7pm, Western Sydney Stadium
6th March — Uzbekistan vs China, 7pm, Western Sydney Stadium
9th March — North Korea vs China, 8pm, Western Sydney Stadium
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