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First-ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ mascot unveiled

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

First-ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ mascot unveiled

Gold Coast: With less than 100 days to go, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ today unveiled the first-ever official mascot in the history of the competition: Naara, the fire horse.

Introduced to fans amid festivities celebrating International Volunteers’ Day in Gold Coast, the milestone follows the launch of WAVEMAKER, the tournament’s first-ever bespoke match ball created by Kelme, further underscoring the AFC’s commitment to setting new benchmarks for the Continent’s premier women’s national team competition.

Wins for Japan, Australia

Tue, 02 Dec, 2025

Wins for Japan, Australia

Kuala Lumpur: Japan earned their second win over Canada in four days, with Mina Tanaka’s first half strike giving them a 1-0 win at Nagasaki Stadium on Tuesday.

Australia, meanwhile, also defeated New Zealand for a second time, winning 2-0.

Australia, Japan impress; Korea Republic held; defeat for Bangladesh

Sat, 29 Nov, 2025

Australia, Japan impress; Korea Republic held; defeat for Bangladesh

Kuala Lumpur: Australia and Japan produced impressive performances in victories against New Zealand and Canada as they continued their preparations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

Australia defeated New Zealand 5-0 on Friday while Japan cruised 3-0 past Canada on Saturday.

Korea Republic were held by Wales while Bangladesh, who will be making their AFC Women’s Asian Cup debut, suffered defeat against Malaysia.

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Build Your Team and win an Exclusive Trip to the Final

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Build Your Team and win an Exclusive Trip to the Final

Kuala Lumpur: Twelve teams are bound for Australia next year to chase the ultimate prize at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

To get you match-ready, the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Dream XI invites fans everywhere to pick their perfect team of 11 from a star-studded pool that blends all-time greats with rising talents. 

Ready to pick your XI and play for a place at the Final? Build your team now at the-afc.com/wac_dreamxi or on the AFC LIVE app.

Think you can spot greatness? Back your instincts, lock in your XI, nail the pop-up question, and you could be on your way to the Final. 

#WAC2026 Official Match Ball makes first appearance at 100-day countdown

Fri, 21 Nov, 2025

#WAC2026 Official Match Ball makes first appearance at 100-day countdown

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ today marked the 100-day countdown to the Continent’s premier women’s national team competition in Sydney, Australia.

The celebration signalled a monumental milestone for the women’s game in Asia, as the official match ball, WAVEMAKER – the first-ever bespoke ball for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ created by Kelme – made its first physical appearance for fans to view up close.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/video/wac2026-|-100-days-to-go

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/video/meet-the-official-match-ball-for-afc-women’s-asian-cup-australia-2026™

WAVEMAKER announced as Official Match Ball of AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

WAVEMAKER announced as Official Match Ball of AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Kuala Lumpur: With just over 100 days to go to the Continent’s premier women’s showpiece, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Kelme are proud to unveil WAVEMAKER – the Official Match Ball for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, which will be held from March 1 to 21.

Inspired by the powerful nature surrounding Australia’s stunning coastline, WAVEMAKER captures the dynamic rhythm of ocean waves, symbolising the fearless spirit of women athletes riding the tide of progress and breaking barriers, as well as the resilience and unity to strive for excellence.

AFC welcomes Anytime Fitness as Official Regional Partner of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

AFC welcomes Anytime Fitness as Official Regional Partner of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today announced Anytime Fitness as the Official Regional Partner of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, underscoring a mutual commitment to promoting health, well-being, and community engagement through the unifying power of the beautiful game, inspiring people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds across the Continent.

As part of the collaboration, Anytime Fitness will support initiatives that celebrate strength, community, and leadership both on and off the pitch. Specifically, Anytime Fitness will integrate its brand into the Official AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026™ Volunteer Programme, which will be promoted as the "Official AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026™ Volunteer Programme Powered by Anytime Fitness." The initiative is designed to provide recognition and support that fosters confidence, empowering volunteers to become ambassadors of health and wellness.

Australia, Japan stumble in friendlies

Wed, 29 Oct, 2025

Australia, Japan stumble in friendlies

Kuala Lumpur: Australia fell to a 3-0 defeat against England in an international friendly in Derby on Tuesday.

Japan also found Norway too strong, with the European side registering a 2-0 win.

Kerr returns as Australia edge Wales

Sun, 26 Oct, 2025

Kerr returns as Australia edge Wales

Kuala Lumpur: Sam Kerr played for an hour in Australia's 2-1 win over Wales in an international friendly in Cardiff on Saturday.

The talismanic Kerr had not played for Australia for almost two years following an ACL injury.

While the Chelsea star did not get on the scoresheet, she showed glimpses of her quality and will be a welcome addition to the Matildas' push for the AFC Women's Asian Australia 2026™ next March.

Record number of officials appointed to #WAC2026

Tue, 07 Oct, 2025

Record number of officials appointed to #WAC2026

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed its largest-ever cast of match officials for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, taking place from March 1 to 21.

A total of 45 officials from across 20 Member Associations, comprising 14 referees and 16 assistant referees, including two standby officials for each position, as well as 11 Video Match Officials (VMOs), have been appointed for the Continental showpiece that will be staged in world-class venues across three host cities of Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney, including those that hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.

Photos

First-ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ mascot unveiled

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

First-ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ mascot unveiled

Gold Coast: With less than 100 days to go, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ today unveiled the first-ever official mascot in the history of the competition: Naara, the fire horse.

Introduced to fans amid festivities celebrating International Volunteers’ Day in Gold Coast, the milestone follows the launch of WAVEMAKER, the tournament’s first-ever bespoke match ball created by Kelme, further underscoring the AFC’s commitment to setting new benchmarks for the Continent’s premier women’s national team competition.

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Build Your Team and win an Exclusive Trip to the Final

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Build Your Team and win an Exclusive Trip to the Final

Kuala Lumpur: Twelve teams are bound for Australia next year to chase the ultimate prize at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

To get you match-ready, the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Dream XI invites fans everywhere to pick their perfect team of 11 from a star-studded pool that blends all-time greats with rising talents. 

Ready to pick your XI and play for a place at the Final? Build your team now at the-afc.com/wac_dreamxi or on the AFC LIVE app.

Think you can spot greatness? Back your instincts, lock in your XI, nail the pop-up question, and you could be on your way to the Final. 

#WAC2026 Official Match Ball makes first appearance at 100-day countdown

Fri, 21 Nov, 2025

#WAC2026 Official Match Ball makes first appearance at 100-day countdown

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ today marked the 100-day countdown to the Continent’s premier women’s national team competition in Sydney, Australia.

The celebration signalled a monumental milestone for the women’s game in Asia, as the official match ball, WAVEMAKER – the first-ever bespoke ball for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ created by Kelme – made its first physical appearance for fans to view up close.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/video/wac2026-|-100-days-to-go

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/video/meet-the-official-match-ball-for-afc-women’s-asian-cup-australia-2026™

WAVEMAKER announced as Official Match Ball of AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

WAVEMAKER announced as Official Match Ball of AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Kuala Lumpur: With just over 100 days to go to the Continent’s premier women’s showpiece, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Kelme are proud to unveil WAVEMAKER – the Official Match Ball for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, which will be held from March 1 to 21.

Inspired by the powerful nature surrounding Australia’s stunning coastline, WAVEMAKER captures the dynamic rhythm of ocean waves, symbolising the fearless spirit of women athletes riding the tide of progress and breaking barriers, as well as the resilience and unity to strive for excellence.

AFC welcomes Anytime Fitness as Official Regional Partner of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

AFC welcomes Anytime Fitness as Official Regional Partner of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today announced Anytime Fitness as the Official Regional Partner of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, underscoring a mutual commitment to promoting health, well-being, and community engagement through the unifying power of the beautiful game, inspiring people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds across the Continent.

As part of the collaboration, Anytime Fitness will support initiatives that celebrate strength, community, and leadership both on and off the pitch. Specifically, Anytime Fitness will integrate its brand into the Official AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026™ Volunteer Programme, which will be promoted as the "Official AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026™ Volunteer Programme Powered by Anytime Fitness." The initiative is designed to provide recognition and support that fosters confidence, empowering volunteers to become ambassadors of health and wellness.

Record number of officials appointed to #WAC2026

Tue, 07 Oct, 2025

Record number of officials appointed to #WAC2026

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed its largest-ever cast of match officials for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, taking place from March 1 to 21.

A total of 45 officials from across 20 Member Associations, comprising 14 referees and 16 assistant referees, including two standby officials for each position, as well as 11 Video Match Officials (VMOs), have been appointed for the Continental showpiece that will be staged in world-class venues across three host cities of Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney, including those that hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Official Online Store now live for fans worldwide

Mon, 29 Sep, 2025

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Official Online Store now live for fans worldwide

Kuala Lumpur: With the countdown to Asia’s most prestigious women’s tournament gathering momentum across the Continent and beyond, passionate fans can now own a piece of football history with the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Official Online Store now live.

The online store offers fans worldwide an extensive assortment of officially licensed merchandise, including apparel, headwear, and accessories (key rings, lanyards, etc), with more products to be released in the lead-up to the tournament.

AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ celebrates golden jubilee with single-match ticket announcement

Fri, 22 Aug, 2025

AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ celebrates golden jubilee with single-match ticket announcement

Kuala Lumpur: The countdown to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ reached a monumental milestone today by celebrating its 50th anniversary with the announcement of single-match ticket sales, which open on Friday, September 5.

First staged with just six participating teams in 1975 as the Asian Cup Ladies Football Tournament in Hong Kong, China, Asia’s flagship women’s national team competition has since evolved into one of the grandest celebrations of women’s football across the globe and inspired millions across the Continent and beyond.

Montemurro expects Australia to rise to the challenge

Sun, 03 Aug, 2025

Montemurro expects Australia to rise to the challenge

Sydney: Australia coach Joe Montemurro believes his squad will relish the opportunity to make amends for their exit from the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ at the hands of Korea Republic when the two nations clash again in the group phase of the 2026 edition.

The tournament hosts have been drawn to play the Philippines, Korea Republic and the Islamic Republic of Iran in Group A when the AFC Women’s Asian Cup returns next March, with the clash against the east Asians among the most eye-catching of the group phase.
 
Australia, who were due to co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup along with New Zealand 18 months after the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, had gone into the tournament as one of the favourites, only for Ji So-yun’s 87th minute goal to eliminate Tony Gustavsson’s team.

Japan boss Nielsen wants Nadeshiko to improve tournament craft

Thu, 31 Jul, 2025

Japan boss Nielsen wants Nadeshiko to improve tournament craft

Sydney: Japan head coach Nils Nielsen will be looking for his Nadeshiko team to improve their ability to secure positive results at major tournaments as the former champions attempt to reclaim the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ title in Australia next year.

Nielsen’s team were drawn to face Vietnam, India and Chinese Taipei in Group C of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ at the Official Draw in Sydney on Tuesday ahead of their latest attempt to win the title for the first time since 2018.

Videos

First-ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ mascot unveiled

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

First-ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ mascot unveiled

Gold Coast: With less than 100 days to go, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ today unveiled the first-ever official mascot in the history of the competition: Naara, the fire horse.

Introduced to fans amid festivities celebrating International Volunteers’ Day in Gold Coast, the milestone follows the launch of WAVEMAKER, the tournament’s first-ever bespoke match ball created by Kelme, further underscoring the AFC’s commitment to setting new benchmarks for the Continent’s premier women’s national team competition.

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Build Your Team and win an Exclusive Trip to the Final

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Build Your Team and win an Exclusive Trip to the Final

Kuala Lumpur: Twelve teams are bound for Australia next year to chase the ultimate prize at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

To get you match-ready, the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Dream XI invites fans everywhere to pick their perfect team of 11 from a star-studded pool that blends all-time greats with rising talents. 

Ready to pick your XI and play for a place at the Final? Build your team now at the-afc.com/wac_dreamxi or on the AFC LIVE app.

Think you can spot greatness? Back your instincts, lock in your XI, nail the pop-up question, and you could be on your way to the Final. 

#WAC2026 Official Match Ball makes first appearance at 100-day countdown

Fri, 21 Nov, 2025

#WAC2026 Official Match Ball makes first appearance at 100-day countdown

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ today marked the 100-day countdown to the Continent’s premier women’s national team competition in Sydney, Australia.

The celebration signalled a monumental milestone for the women’s game in Asia, as the official match ball, WAVEMAKER – the first-ever bespoke ball for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ created by Kelme – made its first physical appearance for fans to view up close.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/video/wac2026-|-100-days-to-go

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/video/meet-the-official-match-ball-for-afc-women’s-asian-cup-australia-2026™

WAVEMAKER announced as Official Match Ball of AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

WAVEMAKER announced as Official Match Ball of AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Kuala Lumpur: With just over 100 days to go to the Continent’s premier women’s showpiece, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Kelme are proud to unveil WAVEMAKER – the Official Match Ball for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, which will be held from March 1 to 21.

Inspired by the powerful nature surrounding Australia’s stunning coastline, WAVEMAKER captures the dynamic rhythm of ocean waves, symbolising the fearless spirit of women athletes riding the tide of progress and breaking barriers, as well as the resilience and unity to strive for excellence.

Record number of officials appointed to #WAC2026

Tue, 07 Oct, 2025

Record number of officials appointed to #WAC2026

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed its largest-ever cast of match officials for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, taking place from March 1 to 21.

A total of 45 officials from across 20 Member Associations, comprising 14 referees and 16 assistant referees, including two standby officials for each position, as well as 11 Video Match Officials (VMOs), have been appointed for the Continental showpiece that will be staged in world-class venues across three host cities of Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney, including those that hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Official Online Store now live for fans worldwide

Mon, 29 Sep, 2025

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Official Online Store now live for fans worldwide

Kuala Lumpur: With the countdown to Asia’s most prestigious women’s tournament gathering momentum across the Continent and beyond, passionate fans can now own a piece of football history with the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Official Online Store now live.

The online store offers fans worldwide an extensive assortment of officially licensed merchandise, including apparel, headwear, and accessories (key rings, lanyards, etc), with more products to be released in the lead-up to the tournament.

AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ celebrates golden jubilee with single-match ticket announcement

Fri, 22 Aug, 2025

AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ celebrates golden jubilee with single-match ticket announcement

Kuala Lumpur: The countdown to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ reached a monumental milestone today by celebrating its 50th anniversary with the announcement of single-match ticket sales, which open on Friday, September 5.

First staged with just six participating teams in 1975 as the Asian Cup Ladies Football Tournament in Hong Kong, China, Asia’s flagship women’s national team competition has since evolved into one of the grandest celebrations of women’s football across the globe and inspired millions across the Continent and beyond.

Montemurro expects Australia to rise to the challenge

Sun, 03 Aug, 2025

Montemurro expects Australia to rise to the challenge

Sydney: Australia coach Joe Montemurro believes his squad will relish the opportunity to make amends for their exit from the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ at the hands of Korea Republic when the two nations clash again in the group phase of the 2026 edition.

The tournament hosts have been drawn to play the Philippines, Korea Republic and the Islamic Republic of Iran in Group A when the AFC Women’s Asian Cup returns next March, with the clash against the east Asians among the most eye-catching of the group phase.
 
Australia, who were due to co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup along with New Zealand 18 months after the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, had gone into the tournament as one of the favourites, only for Ji So-yun’s 87th minute goal to eliminate Tony Gustavsson’s team.

Japan boss Nielsen wants Nadeshiko to improve tournament craft

Thu, 31 Jul, 2025

Japan boss Nielsen wants Nadeshiko to improve tournament craft

Sydney: Japan head coach Nils Nielsen will be looking for his Nadeshiko team to improve their ability to secure positive results at major tournaments as the former champions attempt to reclaim the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ title in Australia next year.

Nielsen’s team were drawn to face Vietnam, India and Chinese Taipei in Group C of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ at the Official Draw in Sydney on Tuesday ahead of their latest attempt to win the title for the first time since 2018.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/photo/3103308