Up close with AFC Football Committee Chairperson Kanya Keomany

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Up close with AFC Football Committee Chairperson Kanya Keomany

Sydney: As the 21st edition of the AFC Women's Asian Cup™ draws to an end on Saturday, the-AFC.com sat down to chat with AFC Women's Football Committee Chairperson Kanya Keomany

Keomany, who also serves as a member of the AFC Executive Committee and FIFA Council, reflected on the three weeks of unforgettable action that delighted fans across Asia and what the future of women's football looks like on the Continent.

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Joy for Philippines

Thu, 19 Mar, 2026

Joy for Philippines

Gold Coast: Second half goals from Angela Beard and Jaclyn Sawicki steered the Philippines to a 2-0 win over Uzbekistan in their FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027 playoff at the Gold Coast Stadium on Thursday.

The win sealed the Philippines a second consecutive FIFA World Cup ticket while Uzbekistan still have hope of making a maiden appearance on the global stage through the Inter-Confederation Playoffs later in 2026.

Fujino's move paying off for Japan

Thu, 19 Mar, 2026

Fujino's move paying off for Japan

Sydney: Aoba Fujino took another gigantic step in her budding career after helping Japan reach the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ final on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old was the standout performer in the 4-1 semi-final win against Korea Republic as they booked a showdown against Australia on Saturday, with Fujino expressing her pride at Japan’s ability to adapt to what was in front of them.

Nielsen delighted with Japan’s super show

Wed, 18 Mar, 2026

Nielsen delighted with Japan’s super show

Sydney: Japan’s near-flawless display in their 4-1 defeat of Korea Republic on Wednesday to secure a place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ final left head coach Nils Nielsen purring with delight.

Billed as Japan’s toughest match of the tournament, there was never any doubt who would take the win once the match got going at Stadium Australia with Nielsen’s charges dominantly setting up a final against Australia.

First half goals ended our chances, admits Korea Republic’s Shin

Thu, 19 Mar, 2026

First half goals ended our chances, admits Korea Republic’s Shin

Sydney: Head coach Shin Sang-woo expressed pride in his Korea Republic players despite the 4-1 defeat to Japan in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ semi-final on Wednesday.

Japan piled on the pressure from the first blow of the whistle with their intensity rewarded with a 2-0 lead after 25 minutes through efforts from Riko Ueki and Maika Hamano, leaving Korea Republic with a mountain to climb.

In trying to cope with Japan’s attack, Shin opted for a defence of five players but it was soon apparent that his side were struggling to cope with the high press before switching for a back four towards the end of the first half.

Japan power past Korea Republic to set up Australia showdown

Wed, 18 Mar, 2026

Japan power past Korea Republic to set up Australia showdown

Sydney: Japan produced a classy performance to defeat Korea Republic 4-1 in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ semi-final at Stadium Australia on Wednesday.

Nils Nielsen’s side were simply dazzling, scoring twice in each half to secure a seventh final appearance to set up an enticing showdown with Australia on Saturday in what will be a repeat of the 2014 and 2018 deciders, with Japan having won both.