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Jeon Yu-Gyeong eyes glory at Australia 2026

Wed, 11 Feb, 2026

Jeon Yu-Gyeong eyes glory at Australia 2026

Kuala Lumpur: Armed with experience from the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and a growing club career with Norway’s Molde FK, Jeon Yu-Gyeong is confident her varied journey will stand her in good stead as she looks to make her mark for Korea Republic at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

What began as a casual interest in football quickly evolved into something more serious, with Jeon’s talent propelling her into the national youth setup before she challenged herself further by plying her trade in Scandinavia.

Nielsen aims to restore Japan to Asia’s pinnacle

Tue, 10 Feb, 2026

Nielsen aims to restore Japan to Asia’s pinnacle

Kuala Lumpur: By their high standards, Japan have not enjoyed much success in recent years.

Quarter-final exits at both the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 and 2024 Paris Olympic Games, as well as elimination in the semi-finals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™, saw the Japan Football Association decline to renew the contract of Futoshi Ikeda in August 2024 after almost three years at the helm.

In stepped Nils Nielsen, who became the first foreign manager in Nadeshiko history with his appointment in December 2024 – and the person charged with bringing glory to Japan again.

Closing the gap is Milicic’s aim for China PR

Mon, 09 Feb, 2026

Closing the gap is Milicic’s aim for China PR

Kuala Lumpur: Ante Milicic is determined to bring China PR back among the elite in women’s football and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ will be the first opportunity to showcase the work that has gone on.

While China PR goes into Australia as defending champions, the years since lifting the trophy at India 2022 have seen the team under-performing in major tournaments - a group stage exit at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 as well as missing out completely on the Paris Olympics 2024.

Milicic’s single-mindedness was evident from the moment the prospect of landing the job with the Steel Roses became a possibility as the Australian shares with the-AFC.com what the head coach role entails for him and China PR.

Montemurro relishing home challenge as Matildas chase Asian crown

Mon, 09 Feb, 2026

Montemurro relishing home challenge as Matildas chase Asian crown

Kuala Lumpur: Much like the rest of Australia, Joe Montemurro, head coach of the Australia women’s national team, can’t wait to welcome the challenge of chasing the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ title on home soil.

The return of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Down Under comes at a pivotal moment for the women’s game, building on the momentum generated by the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, which Australia co-hosted with New Zealand.

It is therefore fitting that the Matildas’ long search to replace interim coach Tom Sermanni concluded at Joe Montemurro’s doorstep. With silverware won across some of the world’s top leagues, the former midfielder is not one to shy away from a demanding task and is ready to embrace the task at hand without hesitation.

Kulbyte ready to inspire new dreams in Uzbekistan

Sun, 08 Feb, 2026

Kulbyte ready to inspire new dreams in Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: At the start of 2025, Kotryna Kulbyte found herself in completely new surroundings and entrusted with an exciting mission.

Handed the reins of the Uzbekistan women’s national team, she was tasked to lead them to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ – a stage they have not reached since 2003.

Between 1995 and 2003, the Central Asians took part in five consecutive tournaments but have not appeared at the Continental showpiece since a qualification process was introduced from the 2006 edition as they endured five failed campaigns. 

Mai’s passion for Vietnam football burns brightly

Fri, 06 Feb, 2026

Mai’s passion for Vietnam football burns brightly

Kuala Lumpur: There are few things in life more precious to Mai Duc Chung than the betterment of football in Vietnam, so even though he had already decided to step away in 2023, the lure of the game proved too difficult to resist.

Head coach of the national team for seven years - the highlight of which was guiding Vietnam to their first FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals in 2023, Mai decided it was time to hand the reins to fresh hands.

His boots, however, were hard to fill and with no replacement found, Vietnam Football Federation turned once again to one of their favourites sons and the call was answered with a sense of great duty and pride.

China PR’s Li determined to retain title

Thu, 05 Feb, 2026

China PR’s Li determined to retain title

Kuala Lumpur: As she gears up for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, Li Mengwen is spurred on by the unforgettable memories from the 2022 edition. 

Named to the China PR squad for Asia’s flagship women’s national team competition in India, Li made her tournament debut as Shui Qingxia’s side ended a 16-year trophy drought by clinching a record-extending ninth title.

Having come from behind to triumph in both the last eight and semi-finals, it was perhaps fitting that the Steel Roses mounted the most stunning of comebacks in the final. Trailing 2-0 at the break to Korea Republic, they drew level after two goals within four minutes in the second half before a 93rd-minute strike from Xiao Yuyi sealed ultimate glory in dramatic fashion.

Torcaso eyes second FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance for Philippines

Thu, 05 Feb, 2026

Torcaso eyes second FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance for Philippines

Kuala Lumpur: Mark Torcaso is determined to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor and compatriot Alen Stajcic by leading the Philippines to a second successive FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.

Taking over from Stajcic shortly after the Filipinas’ historic debut on the global stage, Torcaso’s experience over the past two years has been a transformative journey defined by a drive to constantly strive for excellence.

Basfore eager to inspire next generation of Blue Tigresses

Tue, 03 Feb, 2026

Basfore eager to inspire next generation of Blue Tigresses

Kuala Lumpur: For Sangita Basfore, India’s qualification to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is a golden chance for the team to prove their mettle on the continental stage. 

India’s place in the Finals was secured off an unbeaten, albeit dramatic, qualifying journey in which Basfore’s brace became the deciding factor in the final-day showdown between the South Asians and Thailand.

Karachik’s Uzbekistan journey defined by challenges

Mon, 02 Feb, 2026

Karachik’s Uzbekistan journey defined by challenges

Kuala Lumpur: Football will always have a variety of meaning for Lyudmila Karachik, the icon of women’s football in Uzbekistan with her journey in the sport bookmarked at various stages by the challenges faced.

At an early age, football became a form of escape for Karachik that eventually turned into something more as she led Uzbekistan to a return to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ after a 23-year absence.

From her beginnings to helping Uzbekistan overcome their heartbreak, the 30-year-old sat down with the-AFC.com to share her experience.

Yallop: Time for Australia to win AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ again

Fri, 23 Jan, 2026

Yallop: Time for Australia to win AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ again

Sydney: Sixteen years after helping Australia to Continental glory, Tameka Yallop believes the moment has come for the Matildas to reign supreme again.

The 2010 triumph remains the only time that Australia have lifted the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ trophy and a career highlight for Yallop, who made her international debut in 2007 as the 148th Matilda and has since amassed 134 caps and 14 goals.

A wide smile spreads across Yallop’s face as she recalls a recent gathering between some members from that winning side, who recounted their experiences for a documentary that was released by Football Australia last May.

#WAC2026: The Dream XI revealed

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026

#WAC2026: The Dream XI revealed

Kuala Lumpur: After thousands of votes, the verdict is in. The ultimate #WAC2026 Dream XI is revealed. 

Twelve teams will head to Australia in less than a month in pursuit of ultimate continental glory at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™. 

To build momentum ahead of kick-off, the #WAC2026 Dream XI Campaign invited fans across Asia and beyond to look back, debate, and celebrate the players who have defined and continue to shape women's football on the continent.

From all-time greats who laid the foundations to modern icons and rising stars carrying the torch forward, supporters were given one simple but powerful task: picking the best XI from an elite pool of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards. 

And now, the stars of the shows: