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It’s My Game at #WAC2026: Michiko Dohi reflects on Asia’s evolving sports medicine landscape

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

It’s My Game at #WAC2026: Michiko Dohi reflects on Asia’s evolving sports medicine landscape

Sydney: As the Continent awaits the final showdown between Australia and Japan at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s It’s My Game campaign turns the spotlight on Michiko Dohi, whose efforts in advancing medical care for athletes have placed her at the forefront of safeguarding player welfare across Asia and beyond.

Dohi’s decades-long experience has seen her wear several hats, ranging from being Japan’s team doctor to serving as a member of the AFC Medical Committee. Now, as the 21st edition of the Continental showpiece nears its conclusion, the FIFA Medical Officer reflected on the evolving landscape of sports medicine in Asia, particularly within women’s football.

The AFC wishes a joyous and blessed Eid Al-Fitr

Mon, 31 Mar, 2025

The AFC wishes a joyous and blessed Eid Al-Fitr

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) wishes the Asian football family and its Member Associations a blessed Eid Al-Fitr. 

The celebration calls for sacrifice and unity, and may it lead to peace and prosperity. 

As a time for joy and happiness, may this festival strengthen our sense of brotherhood and goodwill towards all.

Preview - Final: Japan v Australia

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Preview - Final: Japan v Australia

Sydney: Japan and Australia are equally confident heading into the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ final, with both head coaches agreeing that Saturday’s match is capable of going either way.

Japan breezed through the semi-finals with a 4-1 win against Korea Republic while Australia held their own in defeating China PR 2-1, with both teams having taken different journeys to get to this stage.

Carpenter out to end Australia title drought

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

Carpenter out to end Australia title drought

Sydney: Ellie Carpenter has won multiple trophies at club level but success with Australia has eluded her and it’s a record she intends to set straight at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

A serial league winner with Melbourne City,  Lyon and Chelsea, the full-back is now within one match of savouring glory as part of the Matildas, with Japan the last hurdle to overcome in Saturday’s final.

Japan’s Hasegawa determined to savour glory again

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

Japan’s Hasegawa determined to savour glory again

Sydney: Come Saturday, Yui Hasegawa will be playing in her second AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ final and the determination to add the Australia 2026 title to the 2018 triumph is as high as it can possibly be.

The midfielder - recognised as one of the best in the world - was part of Japan’s title triumph at Jordan 2018 but vividly remembers the disappointment of four years ago when the Nadeshiko were knocked out by China PR in the semi-finals.

#WAC2026 Final - How they stack up: Japan v Australia

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

#WAC2026 Final - How they stack up: Japan v Australia

Sydney: If the numbers are any indication, Japan will start as the favourites in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ final against Australia on Saturday.

The two-time champions have not only shone with their positive play on the pitch but also have the stats to back their impressive displays.

Australia, on paper, have it all to do if they are to match Japan and claim a second title, as the-AFC.com breaks down their performances thus far.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/video/wac2026-final-preview-japan-v-australia

#WAC2026 - Know the coach: Joe Montemurro (AUS)

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

#WAC2026 - Know the coach: Joe Montemurro (AUS)

Sydney: Joe Montemurro is only one step away from creating history for his home nation at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

The Australia head coach has guided the Matildas through a tough campaign that has not only highlighted their quality but also their resolve to lift the coveted trophy for a second time.

With Australia to take on Japan in Saturday’s final, the-AFC.com takes a look at Montemurro's journey so far.

#WAC2026 - Know the coach: Nils Nielsen (JPN)

Thu, 19 Mar, 2026

#WAC2026 - Know the coach: Nils Nielsen (JPN)

Sydney: As Japan aim to live up to their top billing at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, the Nadeshiko will believe they have - in Nils Nielsen - the right man to take them to a third title.

The Dane has guided Japan through a serene campaign, which includes a 4-1 semi-final success against Korea Republic on Wednesday, to set up a tantalising final against Australia.

The first ever non-Japanese to lead the women’s squad, the-AFC.com takes a look at just how Nielsen has gotten here.

#WAC2026 - Road to Final: Australia

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

#WAC2026 - Road to Final: Australia

Sydney: Australia are one match away from emerging the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ champions, with Japan standing in their way in Saturday's final.

It will be the Matildas' fifth final in seven editions - having lifted the coveted trophy in 2010 - and the-AFC.com takes a look at how the hosts booked their spot.

#WAC2026 - Road to Final: Japan

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

#WAC2026 - Road to Final: Japan

Sydney: Japan sealed their spot in the final of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ with minimum fuss, advancing to Saturday's decider with a perfect record of five wins.

As Nils Nielsen prepares to guide his players to what Japan hope will be a third title in four editions, the-AFC.com retraces their journey to the final.

Korea Republic’s Kim Yu-jeong to officiate #WAC2026 Final

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

Korea Republic’s Kim Yu-jeong to officiate #WAC2026 Final

Sydney: As the Continent’s attention turns to the Final of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed Korea Republic’s Kim Yu-jeong to lead the cast of match officials overseeing the ultimate showdown at Stadium Australia.

Two of Asia’s finest sides will vie for glory on Saturday when hosts Australia face Japan in front of what promises to be a capacity crowd, as the Matildas look to rewrite history against a side that has twice denied them in the Final.