الأخبار

Know your team: IR Iran

Mon, 16 Feb, 2026

Know your team: IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran will be aiming to create more history when they compete against Asia’s elite at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

After making a historic debut at India 2022, Iran showed grit in a challenging qualifying campaign that ended with a win against favourites Jordan to seal back-to-back Finals appearances.

Know your team: Korea Republic

Mon, 21 Jul, 2025

Know your team: Korea Republic

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic will be on a mission to end their long wait for the AFC Women's Asian Cup™ title at Australia 2026.

The Taegeuk Ladies will head into the continental showpiece on a high after winning the EAFF E-1 Women's Football Championship 2025 title.

Know your team: Australia

Sun, 15 Feb, 2026

Know your team: Australia

Kuala Lumpur: Australia will be determined to savour continental glory again when they host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

Champions in 2010, Australia have a long storied history with the competition - starting with their participation as guests in the inaugural edition played in Hong Kong, China in 1975.

The Matildas - who reached the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 which Australia co-hosted with New Zealand - will be among the favourites, especially with the backing of their passionate fans.

Matsunaga chasing World Cup dream with Chinese Taipei

Sat, 14 Feb, 2026

Matsunaga chasing World Cup dream with Chinese Taipei

Sydney: When Saki Matsunaga lined up to face Japan at the 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship last July, it represented a surreal and emotional experience for her.

Born in Funabashi, a city in Chiba Prefecture, Matsunaga picked up the sport at three under her father’s guidance and went on to play for Japan at the then-World University Games in 2017, before turning out for Sfida Setagaya FC and Ehime FC.

But, with a burning ambition to reach the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Matsunaga decided to embark on a different trajectory at the end of 2023.

Vietnam’s Huynh Nhu confident of Asia’s rise

Fri, 13 Feb, 2026

Vietnam’s Huynh Nhu confident of Asia’s rise

Kuala Lumpur: Huynh Nhu’s longevity in women’s football with various clubs and the Vietnam national team marks her as the poster figure for budding players in the football-mad Southeast Asian country.

Huynh Nhu has served her nation with honour and diligence for 15 years, a career path that she has no regrets taking ever since the opportunity opened up to her to be a professional player at the age of 17.

While a large chunk of her career was spent with Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC, Huynh Nhu has had the opportunity to play two years in Portugal in 2022 with Vilaverdense FC, a period which opened her eyes to the potential of Asian players.

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.