China women’s national football team head coach Ante Milicic has insisted his side will not underestimate Bangladesh women’s national football team when the two teams meet in the opening round of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Sydney on 3 Mar 2026.
Bangladesh, making their tournament debut, have been drawn in a formidable group alongside nine-time champions China, three-time winners North Korea and Uzbekistan. They begin their campaign against the holders in what promises to be a stern test.
Milicic, however, was quick to stress that no opponent can be taken lightly.
“Each opponent will be tough. Everyone these days is getting fitter and more organised,” the Australian told ABC News. “You have to respect your first opponent, Bangladesh. It’s the first time they’ve ever been to an Asian Cup.”
While he acknowledged that North Korea women’s national football team could pose the greatest threat in the group — particularly given their strong youth development — Milicic emphasised that China’s focus remains on taking the competition one match at a time.
Milicic previously guided Australia’s women’s side, the Matildas, to the last 16 at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup before assuming charge of China in 2024. His task now is to restore momentum after China’s early exit from the group stage of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
For Bangladesh, the encounter represents both a historic milestone and a daunting challenge. Preparations in Sydney have been relatively low-key, with English head coach Peter Butler overseeing four training sessions following the squad’s arrival from Dhaka.
The team also played a closed-door friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers Women FC on Wednesday. Although Butler declined to reveal the outcome, it is understood the match finished in a 1–1 draw, with all 26 squad members featuring.
