Closing the gap is Milicic’s aim for China PR

Mon, 09 Feb, 2026

Closing the gap is Milicic’s aim for China PR

Kuala Lumpur: Ante Milicic is determined to bring China PR back among the elite in women’s football and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ will be the first opportunity to showcase the work that has gone on.

While China PR goes into Australia as defending champions, the years since lifting the trophy at India 2022 have seen the team under-performing in major tournaments - a group stage exit at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 as well as missing out completely on the Paris Olympics 2024.

Milicic’s single-mindedness was evident from the moment the prospect of landing the job with the Steel Roses became a possibility as the Australian shares with the-AFC.com what the head coach role entails for him and China PR.

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Montemurro relishing home challenge as Matildas chase Asian crown

Mon, 09 Feb, 2026

Montemurro relishing home challenge as Matildas chase Asian crown

Kuala Lumpur: Much like the rest of Australia, Joe Montemurro, head coach of the Australia women’s national team, can’t wait to welcome the challenge of chasing the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ title on home soil.

The return of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Down Under comes at a pivotal moment for the women’s game, building on the momentum generated by the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, which Australia co-hosted with New Zealand.

It is therefore fitting that the Matildas’ long search to replace interim coach Tom Sermanni concluded at Joe Montemurro’s doorstep. With silverware won across some of the world’s top leagues, the former midfielder is not one to shy away from a demanding task and is ready to embrace the task at hand without hesitation.

Kulbyte ready to inspire new dreams in Uzbekistan

Sun, 08 Feb, 2026

Kulbyte ready to inspire new dreams in Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: At the start of 2025, Kotryna Kulbyte found herself in completely new surroundings and entrusted with an exciting mission.

Handed the reins of the Uzbekistan women’s national team, she was tasked to lead them to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ – a stage they have not reached since 2003.

Between 1995 and 2003, the Central Asians took part in five consecutive tournaments but have not appeared at the Continental showpiece since a qualification process was introduced from the 2006 edition as they endured five failed campaigns. 

Mai’s passion for Vietnam football burns brightly

Fri, 06 Feb, 2026

Mai’s passion for Vietnam football burns brightly

Kuala Lumpur: There are few things in life more precious to Mai Duc Chung than the betterment of football in Vietnam, so even though he had already decided to step away in 2023, the lure of the game proved too difficult to resist.

Head coach of the national team for seven years - the highlight of which was guiding Vietnam to their first FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals in 2023, Mai decided it was time to hand the reins to fresh hands.

His boots, however, were hard to fill and with no replacement found, Vietnam Football Federation turned once again to one of their favourites sons and the call was answered with a sense of great duty and pride.

Torcaso eyes second FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance for Philippines

Thu, 05 Feb, 2026

Torcaso eyes second FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance for Philippines

Kuala Lumpur: Mark Torcaso is determined to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor and compatriot Alen Stajcic by leading the Philippines to a second successive FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.

Taking over from Stajcic shortly after the Filipinas’ historic debut on the global stage, Torcaso’s experience over the past two years has been a transformative journey defined by a drive to constantly strive for excellence.

Basfore eager to inspire next generation of Blue Tigresses

Tue, 03 Feb, 2026

Basfore eager to inspire next generation of Blue Tigresses

Kuala Lumpur: For Sangita Basfore, India’s qualification to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is a golden chance for the team to prove their mettle on the continental stage. 

India’s place in the Finals was secured off an unbeaten, albeit dramatic, qualifying journey in which Basfore’s brace became the deciding factor in the final-day showdown between the South Asians and Thailand.