AFC announces discontinuation of bidding process for AFC Asian Cup™ 2031 and 2035

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

AFC announces discontinuation of bidding process for AFC Asian Cup™ 2031 and 2035

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced its decision to discontinue the ongoing bidding processes for the AFC Asian Cup 2031 and AFC Asian Cup 2035.

This follows recent engagement with FIFA concerning a potential revision to the international match calendar, which includes a proposal to stage future editions of the AFC Asian Cup™ in even-numbered years. In principle, the AFC has taken note of this direction and will work towards aligning its competitions accordingly.

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.

Reforms introduced; China PR recommended to host AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup™ in 2028 and 2030

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

Reforms introduced; China PR recommended to host AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup™ in 2028 and 2030

Sydney: The AFC Women’s Football Committee hailed the rising standards of the women’s game across the Continent, exemplified by the delivery of the best-ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ in Australia, which will see the host nation face Japan for the coveted title at Stadium Australia in Sydney at 8pm (local time) on Saturday.

Chairing the Committee’s fifth meeting, Ms. Kanya Keomany also extended her wholehearted congratulations to the six Asian sides for sealing their places at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 and wished tomorrow’s finalists as well as the AFC’s representatives in the FIFA Inter-Confederation Play-Off Tournament the very best of