Montemurro expects Australia to rise to the challenge

Sun, 03 Aug, 2025

Montemurro expects Australia to rise to the challenge

Sydney: Australia coach Joe Montemurro believes his squad will relish the opportunity to make amends for their exit from the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ at the hands of Korea Republic when the two nations clash again in the group phase of the 2026 edition.

The tournament hosts have been drawn to play the Philippines, Korea Republic and the Islamic Republic of Iran in Group A when the AFC Women’s Asian Cup returns next March, with the clash against the east Asians among the most eye-catching of the group phase.
 
Australia, who were due to co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup along with New Zealand 18 months after the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, had gone into the tournament as one of the favourites, only for Ji So-yun’s 87th minute goal to eliminate Tony Gustavsson’s team.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/video/highlights-|-afc-womens-asian-cup-australia-2026™-final-draw

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3103067

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup/video/wac2022_-_quarter-final_|_australia_0__-_1_korea_republic.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3103077

Japan boss Nielsen wants Nadeshiko to improve tournament craft

Thu, 31 Jul, 2025

Japan boss Nielsen wants Nadeshiko to improve tournament craft

Sydney: Japan head coach Nils Nielsen will be looking for his Nadeshiko team to improve their ability to secure positive results at major tournaments as the former champions attempt to reclaim the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ title in Australia next year.

Nielsen’s team were drawn to face Vietnam, India and Chinese Taipei in Group C of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ at the Official Draw in Sydney on Tuesday ahead of their latest attempt to win the title for the first time since 2018.

#WAC2026 - Group stage matches to look out for

Fri, 01 Aug, 2025

#WAC2026 - Group stage matches to look out for

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Official Draw has left fans in anticipation as the three groups are set for some thrilling battles.

With the top two sides from each group and two best third-placed teams to advance to the knockout stage, the 12 teams have no room for error when the action kicks off on March 1, 2026.

The-AFC.com highlights several matches which could determine progress or heartbreak.

#WAC2026 - The Groups

Thu, 31 Jul, 2025

#WAC2026 - The Groups

Sydney: Intriguing battles and rivalries renewed will provide the backdrop in the chase for ultimate glory at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

Tuesday’s Official Draw produced three exciting groups so join the-AFC.com as we take a deep look at just what can be expected when the tournament kicks off on March 1, 2026.

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ match schedule confirms spectacular battles

Tue, 29 Jul, 2025

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ match schedule confirms spectacular battles

Sydney: The stage has been officially set for the Continent’s flagship women’s national team showpiece, following the conclusion of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Final Draw on Tuesday evening.

Taking place at the iconic Sydney Town Hall, the spectacular ceremony charted the route to ultimate glory for the 12 contenders. The official match schedule has now been confirmed by the AFC and the Local Organising Committee (LOC), and can be accessed here.

#AsianQualifiers – Vote for your Goal of the Round by Visa

Thu, 24 Jul, 2025

#AsianQualifiers – Vote for your Goal of the Round by Visa

Kuala Lumpur: The third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 produced plenty of drama and unforgettable moments, but nothing captures the imagination of fans quite like the goals. 

From some brilliant team moves to stunning individual efforts, we have shortlisted 18 spectacular goals from the qualifiers and it’s your turn now to vote for your Goal of the Round – presented by Visa – to crown the winner from the third round.