آخر الأخبار

Ko rises to lead Korea Republic charge

Sun, 01 Mar, 2026

Ko rises to lead Korea Republic charge

Gold Coast: As she prepares to make her AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ debut on Monday, Ko Yoo-jin would hardly have imagined that she would be in this position a year ago.

Having featured for Korea Republic at various youth levels, most notably turning out at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016, the then-midfielder never quite made the leap to the senior side. While a maiden call-up came in April 2022, Ko never received a cap and did not feature in the set-up thereafter.

That was until March last year, when current head coach Shin Sang-woo gave her a second shot - one that Ko made the very best of. A long-awaited debut arrived in an away friendly against Australia in the following month, followed by five more appearances as she swiftly established herself at the heart of the defence.

AFC closely monitoring situation in Middle East

Sun, 01 Mar, 2026

AFC closely monitoring situation in Middle East

Sydney: As the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ kicks off today, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) continues to closely monitor the recent developments in the Middle East during this challenging period.

The AFC’s foremost priority remains the welfare, safety and security of all players, coaches, officials and fans. In this regard, we are in close and regular contact with the IR Iran women’s national team and officials in Gold Coast, and are offering our full support and assistance.

Preview - Group A: Korea Republic v IR Iran

Sun, 01 Mar, 2026

Preview - Group A: Korea Republic v IR Iran

Gold Coast: The respective head coaches of Korea Republic and Islamic Republic of Iran expressed confidence in their tournament preparations ahead of their opening AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ clash on Monday, which will represent the first-ever meeting between the pair.

Ranked 21st by FIFA, it will be the East Asians’ 55th match in competition history on their 14th appearance, while their 68th-ranked Central Asian opponents are participating in only their second edition after making their debut in 2022.

With expectations of going far Down Under, Shin Sang-woo is keen for the 2022 runners-up to start on a winning note but is not taking anything for granted despite the chasm in experience.

Statement on AFC Club Competitions

Sun, 01 Mar, 2026

Statement on AFC Club Competitions

Kuala Lumpur: In light of the developing situation in the Middle East, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ Round of 16 first-leg matches in the West Region, originally scheduled for March 2–3, 2026, will now be rescheduled.

Additionally, the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ and AFC Challenge League 2025/26™ Quarter-final first-leg matches involving teams in the West Region, originally scheduled to be played between March 3 and 4, 2026, are also postponed until further notice.

#WAC2026 - Caught on Camera

Sun, 01 Mar, 2026

#WAC2026 - Caught on Camera

Sydney: The AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is set for take off with the host cities - Sydney, Perth and Gold Coast buzzing with excitement.

The three cities have spared no effort in generating anticipation for the continental showpiece.

 

Ahead of the action kicking off on Sunday, the-AFC.com has captured the excitement of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ on camera.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/photo/wac2026-sights-and-sound-1

Preview - Group A: Australia v Philippines

Sat, 28 Feb, 2026

Preview - Group A: Australia v Philippines

Perth: Tournament favourites Australia can expect a fired up Philippines when the teams meet in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Group A opener at the Perth Stadium on Sunday.

Australia, seeking to win the title for a second time, will be determined to lay down an early marker with the Philippines keen on continuing their stunning rise with a statement performance.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/video/wac2026-preview-group-stage-matchday-one

Emerging Australian talent gives Kerr confidence

Sat, 28 Feb, 2026

Emerging Australian talent gives Kerr confidence

Perth: Sam Kerr is relishing her competitive return for the Matildas in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Group A opener against the Philippines at Perth Stadium on Sunday.

It will mark Kerr’s first competitive action for Australia since scoring a stunning goal in the 3-1 defeat to England in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 semi-final.

Ramirez determined to make her mark

Sat, 28 Feb, 2026

Ramirez determined to make her mark

Perth: Mallie Ramirez has vowed to put her best foot forward in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Group A tie against hosts Australia on Sunday.

The 21-year-old, who plays for the UNLV Rebels, has already made her mark in the Philippines setup following their historic SEA Games 2025 campaign.

Dong Fangyu to officiate #WAC2026 opening match

Fri, 27 Feb, 2026

Dong Fangyu to officiate #WAC2026 opening match

Perth: As the Continent gears up for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed the cast of match officials who will oversee the opening match of Asia’s premier women’s national team competition at the stunning Perth Stadium on Sunday.

Among Asia’s most accomplished referees, China PR’s Dong Fangyu has been appointed to take charge of the curtain raiser between hosts Australia and the Philippines, which kicks off at 5pm at the 60,000-capacity venue.

McDaniel vows to stand tall for the Philippines

Fri, 27 Feb, 2026

McDaniel vows to stand tall for the Philippines

Sydney: When the Philippines step out to open their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Group A campaign against the hosts on Sunday, Olivia McDaniel knows what it will feel like.

McDaniel is prepared for the Matildas’ fans in the Perth Stadium to be at their loudest, with the custodian relishing the opportunity to once again perform on a big occasion.