It’s My Game at #WAC2026: Michiko Dohi reflects on Asia’s evolving sports medicine landscape

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

It’s My Game at #WAC2026: Michiko Dohi reflects on Asia’s evolving sports medicine landscape

Sydney: As the Continent awaits the final showdown between Australia and Japan at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s It’s My Game campaign turns the spotlight on Michiko Dohi, whose efforts in advancing medical care for athletes have placed her at the forefront of safeguarding player welfare across Asia and beyond.

Dohi’s decades-long experience has seen her wear several hats, ranging from being Japan’s team doctor to serving as a member of the AFC Medical Committee. Now, as the 21st edition of the Continental showpiece nears its conclusion, the FIFA Medical Officer reflected on the evolving landscape of sports medicine in Asia, particularly within women’s football.

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It’s My Game at the #WAC2026: Behind the scenes with match commissioners

Tue, 17 Mar, 2026

It’s My Game at the #WAC2026: Behind the scenes with match commissioners

Sydney: While the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ continues to showcase Asia’s finest players on the pitch, another team is playing an equally vital role behind the scenes

As part of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s It’s My Game campaign, the spotlight now turns to the competition’s Match Commissioners, the team whose tireless efforts ensure every matchday is delivered to the highest standards.

#WAC2026 attendance crosses 200,000 mark

Sun, 15 Mar, 2026

#WAC2026 attendance crosses 200,000 mark

Sydney: As the Quarter-finals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ concluded on Sunday, the Continental showpiece recorded another historic milestone as total attendance for the ongoing edition surpassed an impressive 200,000 spectators.

The last eight tie between Japan and Philippines at Stadium Australia took the total attendance up to 223,112, with the landmark moment coming a day after the competition celebrated its 400th match in history on Saturday when Korea Republic defeated Uzbekistan 6-0 in the third Quarter-final.

TOT member Rae Dower reflects on technical trends at #WAC2026

Sun, 15 Mar, 2026

TOT member Rae Dower reflects on technical trends at #WAC2026

Sydney: While the action on the pitch often takes centre stage at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s Technical Observers’ Team (TOT) has been steadily at work behind the scenes, analysing every match to identify patterns, strategies and developments in the women’s game across Asia.

One of the key members of the team is FIFA Technical Expert Rae Dower, who spoke to the-AFC.com, to share her perspective on what the tournament reveals about the continued growth and competitiveness of the women’s game in Asia.

It’s My Game at #WAC2026: A dive into Dong Fangyu’s stellar career

Fri, 13 Mar, 2026

It’s My Game at #WAC2026: A dive into Dong Fangyu’s stellar career

Sydney: As the Continent’s attention remains fixed on the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) shines the spotlight on China PR’s Dong Fangyu, who officiated the opening match of the competition, in the first instalment of the It’s My Game campaign this year.

As Perth Stadium geared up for a historic night that promised the highest-attended match in the history of the Continental showpiece at the time, Dong quietly added another milestone to her already impressive career.

Key technical insights enhance match officials’ preparations for #WAC2026 knockouts

Fri, 13 Mar, 2026

Key technical insights enhance match officials’ preparations for #WAC2026 knockouts

Sydney: As the dust settled on the intense Group Stage of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, a knowledge-sharing session was conducted for the tournament’s referees ahead of their official duties for the Quarter-finals of the Continental showpiece.

Serving as a vital platform to familiarise match officials with the key trends and tactical developments that had emerged during the group matches, the virtual programme was hosted by the competition’s Technical Observers Team (TOT) that was led by AFC Head of Women’s Football Bai Lili, alongside Rae Dower, Asako Takakura, Soleen Hamed Al-Zoubi, Houriya Taheri, Konomi Suzuki, and Letecia Bautista.