AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Technical Report available now

Tue, 04 Aug, 2026

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Technical Report available now

Kuala Lumpur: The technical report for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is now available on the-AFC.com, offering a comprehensive review of a landmark edition that set new standards for women’s football across Asia.

Held across Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney, the 21st edition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ saw Japan defeat hosts Australia to claim a third title and left an indelible mark on the women’s game as several records were shattered, including a sold-out crowd of 74,397 fans at the Final, while a staggering overall 358,414 spectators attended the competition’s 27 matches.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3185132

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3185134

Nadeshiko, Nielsen part ways

Thu, 02 Apr, 2026

Nadeshiko, Nielsen part ways

Kuala Lumpur: The Japan Football Association announced on Thursday that Nils Nielsen’s contract as head coach of the women’s national team will not be renewed. 

The Dane steered Japan to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ title, defeating Australia 1-0 in the final.

#WAC2026 - Facts & Figures

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

#WAC2026 - Facts & Figures

Sydney: The curtain came down on the record-breaking AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ with Japan defeating Australia in the final on Saturday.

It was a tournament filled with excitement and milestones and the-AFC.com picks out some interesting facts and figures from the continent's premier women's national team tournament.

Hamano: That was my kind of goal

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Hamano: That was my kind of goal

Sydney: While many will consider Maika Hamano’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ title-winning goal as special, the forward knows it didn’t happen just by chance.

The 17th minute strike distinguished Japan from Australia in the final on Saturday, with the 21-year-old blasting home a swerving ball from the edge of the box that gave custodian Mackenzie Arnold no chance.

Nielsen hails brilliant Japan

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Nielsen hails brilliant Japan

Sydney: Japan’s resilience in the 1-0 win against Australia in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ final on Saturday won a special place in the heart of head coach Nils Nielsen.

Dominant in all their matches leading up to the final, the Nadeshiko had to dig deep to stop a buoyant home side backed by a record 74,397 partisan fans at Stadium Australia, much to the delight of the Danish tactician.

Montemurro proud of valiant Australia

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Montemurro proud of valiant Australia

Sydney:  Disappointment of losing did not prevent Joe Montemurro from paying tribute to a remarkable performance from Australia in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ final on Saturday.

The head coach was proud that his side gave Japan the sternest examination the East Asian side faced in the competition as the Matildas fought right until the end in their 1-0 defeat at a packed Stadium Australia.

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.