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.

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. 

Australia’s Kennedy named Most Valuable Player

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Australia’s Kennedy named Most Valuable Player

Sydney: Australia's Alanna Kennedy was crowned the Most Valuable Player of the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2026™ after producing eye-catching performances throughout the tournament.

Australia’s 1-0 defeat to Japan in the final on Saturday did not take away a standout campaign for the 31-year-old.

Japan's Ueki earns Top Goal Scorer accolade

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Japan's Ueki earns Top Goal Scorer accolade

Sydney: Riko Ueki emerged as the Top Goal Scorer of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, with the Japanese star finishing the tournament on six goals.

The West Ham United star produced a consistent campaign with her finishing helping power Japan to a third title following their 1-0 win against Australia in the final on Saturday.

Japan’s Yamashita scoops Best Goalkeeper award

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Japan’s Yamashita scoops Best Goalkeeper award

Sydney: Ayaka Yamashita was named the Best Goalkeeper after helping Japan win the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ title with a 1-0 win against Australia in the final on Saturday.

The Manchester City custodian earned her second continental honour, having also been part of the 2018 squad.