How to Watch South Korea v Iran AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026: Quentin Hull and Elissia Carnavas on ABC Sport

The AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 kicks off with an intriguing Group A clash between South Korea and Iran on Monday, 2 March at 09:00 UK time, hosted on Australia's Gold Coast. While UK viewers won't find this match on familiar channels like ITV, BBC, Sky Sports or TNT Sports, international broadcasts offer prime viewing options, led by experienced Australian coverage on ABC Sport and Paramount+ AUS, plus a free stream on the AFC's YouTube channel.

For British fans eager to catch the action, ABC Sport in Australia features Quentin Hull as the main commentator alongside co-commentator Elissia Carnavas. Hull, a seasoned broadcaster with decades covering Australian football, brings his sharp insights from stints at SBS and Fox Sports, where he's narrated major A-League and international fixtures. Carnavas, a former Matildas player turned pundit, adds authentic expertise, having represented Australia at youth levels and transitioned into respected media roles analysing women's matches.

Switching to Paramount+ AUS, a subscription service geo-blocked to Australia (with pricing details available via VPN for expats), the coverage elevates with presenter Kat Haddad, known for her dynamic hosting on Network 10's football shows. Main commentator Taryn Heddo, a rising star in Aussie sports media with a background in radio and TV commentary for women's internationals, pairs with co-commentator Andy Harper, a veteran analyst whose career spans coaching the Newcastle Jets and extensive broadcasting for Fox Sports. Pundit Ashleigh Sykes, a Matildas legend with over 80 caps and a 2023 retirement after a stellar NWSL stint, provides tactical breakdowns drawn from her trophy-laden club career. Reporter Daniel Garb rounds out the team, delivering pitch-side updates from his established role at Optus Sport.

This match pits the Taeguk Ladies of South Korea, 2022 runners-up under coach Shin Sang-woo, against a determined Iran side making just their second appearance after topping Group A qualifiers in July 2025. South Korea enters as favourites, with defender Ko rising as a key figure after earning a debut under Shin last year and solidifying her spot in a defence that reached the final four years ago. Expectations are high for the Koreans to set the tone in Group A, which also includes hosts Australia and the Philippines, amid the tournament's role as qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup and 2028 Olympics.

Iran, despite domestic turmoil including recent US and Israeli strikes that claimed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, arrived focused on the Gold Coast. The AFC has pledged full support, underscoring football's resilience. Refereed by Kyrgyzstan's Veronika Bernatskaia, this encounter promises intensity, with South Korea's experience contrasting Iran's grit.

The 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, the 21st edition and first Down Under, shattered attendance records at its dazzling opening ceremony. China enter as defending champions, but South Korea's bid for glory starts here. UK supporters can access the YouTube: AFC Asian Cup world feed for free, ideal for early-morning viewing at 09:00 GMT.

Learn more about the tournament's history via the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup Wikipedia page. Whether streaming ABC, Paramount+ or YouTube, don't miss this pivotal opener shaping Asia's path to global stages. With broadcasters like Hull, Carnavas, Heddo and Sykes, the analysis will be top-tier, blending passion and pedigree for an unforgettable broadcast.

Article generated: 2 March 2026, 09:20 GMT