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Popovic aiming for Australia reset

Tue, 24 Mar, 2026

Popovic aiming for Australia reset

Sydney: Australia head coach Tony Popovic will look to use the Socceroos’ hosting of this month’s FIFA Series to re-establish a positive mood within his squad as the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues in earnest.

The Australians will face African powerhouse Cameroon in Sydney on Friday before travelling to Melbourne to take on fellow FIFA World Cup qualifiers Curaçao in one of the last remaining warm-up matches ahead of the Finals in June and July.

Australia have been drawn to play co-hosts the United States, Paraguay and one of Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey and Romania in Group D at the 48-nation Finals with Popovic ready to ramp up preparations in the coming weeks.

ASEAN Wrap: Buriram almost there; Jets surge clear

Mon, 23 Mar, 2026

ASEAN Wrap: Buriram almost there; Jets surge clear

Kuala Lumpur: Buriram United moved within a point of clinching the title in Thailand while Vietnam’s Cong An Ha Noi FC edged another tight contest to strengthen their hold at the top.

Newcastle Jets snatched a stoppage-time win to extend their advantage in Australia, Shan United emerged champions in Myanmar while there were also matches in Cambodia, Malaysia and Philippines so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at how the domestic scene unfolded across ASEAN this past week.

Shaikh Salman hails Australia 2026 as Japan seals third Asian crown

Sun, 22 Mar, 2026

Shaikh Salman hails Australia 2026 as Japan seals third Asian crown

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, has extended his warmest congratulations to Japan after the Nadeshiko defeated Australia 1-0 to secure their third AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ title following a spectacular Final at Stadium Australia on Saturday.

The tournament concluded on a historic note in front of yet another record-breaking 74,397 crowd, marking the third occasion a new fan attendance record was set across the 21-day football festival, and further cementing this edition as the most attended in the competition's history with total turnout surpassing the 350,000 mark.

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

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/video/wac2026-|-final-japan-1-0-australia

Montemurro proud of valiant Australia

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Montemurro proud of valiant Australia

Sydney:  Disappointment of losing did not prevent Joe Montemurro from paying tribute to a remarkable performance from Australia in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ final on Saturday.

The head coach was proud that his side gave Japan the sternest examination the East Asian side faced in the competition as the Matildas fought right until the end in their 1-0 defeat at a packed Stadium Australia.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/photo/wac2026-final-joy-tears

Joy for Japan; heartbreak for Australia

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Joy for Japan; heartbreak for Australia

Sydney:  A spectacular Maika Hamano strike sent Japan into seventh heaven as they defeated Australia 1-0 to win the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ final on Saturday.

The midfielder’s first half goal proved to be the decider in front of a record breaking crowd of 74,397 at an AFC Women’s Asian Cup match as the Nadeshiko were crowned Asian champions for the third time, following triumphs in 2014 and 2018 - also at Australia’s expense. 

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

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.

#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.