The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed Australia as the hosts for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026. The continental football governing body made this announcement after the AFC Executive Committee ratified the recommendations of the AFC Women’s Football Committee at its meeting in Bangkok, Thailand.
Central Asian Debut in 2029
In a significant development, Uzbekistan has been chosen to host the 2029 edition of the premier women’s football continental tournament. This will mark the first time a Central Asian nation hosts the flagship event.
Competitive Bidding Process
Apart from Australia, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan had also submitted bids for the hosting rights of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, highlighting the growing interest in women’s football across the region.
Australia’s Proven Track Record
Australia, which co-hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, has previously hosted the Women’s Asian Cup in 2006. The country’s unrivalled passion for the women’s game and its experience in organizing major tournaments were key factors in securing the hosting rights for 2026.
Promising Future for Women’s Football
AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa expressed confidence in the upcoming editions, stating, “We will see a more vibrant and competitive edition in 2026 in Australia, setting the perfect stage for Uzbekistan to surpass all expectations in 2029.”
Tournament Format
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 will feature 12 top women’s national football teams from the continent. The teams will be divided into three groups of four each, with matches being played across the host states of New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia.
Celebrating Past Successes
The 2026 edition will be the 21st edition of the continental quadrennial showpiece. In the last edition, hosted by India in 2022, the People’s Republic of China emerged victorious, defeating the Republic of Korea in the final.
Australia’s Matildas have a proud history in the tournament, winning the title in 2010 when China hosted the event. The Australian women’s football team has also finished as runners-up in 2006, 2014, and 2018, showcasing their consistent performance at the highest level.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming editions, football fans worldwide eagerly anticipate witnessing the growth and development of women’s football in the Asian region.
