Jeon Yu-Gyeong eyes glory at Australia 2026

Wed, 11 Feb, 2026

Jeon Yu-Gyeong eyes glory at Australia 2026

Kuala Lumpur: Armed with experience from the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and a growing club career with Norway’s Molde FK, Jeon Yu-Gyeong is confident her varied journey will stand her in good stead as she looks to make her mark for Korea Republic at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

What began as a casual interest in football quickly evolved into something more serious, with Jeon’s talent propelling her into the national youth setup before she challenged herself further by plying her trade in Scandinavia.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3156300

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3156304

Nielsen aims to restore Japan to Asia’s pinnacle

Tue, 10 Feb, 2026

Nielsen aims to restore Japan to Asia’s pinnacle

Kuala Lumpur: By their high standards, Japan have not enjoyed much success in recent years.

Quarter-final exits at both the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 and 2024 Paris Olympic Games, as well as elimination in the semi-finals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™, saw the Japan Football Association decline to renew the contract of Futoshi Ikeda in August 2024 after almost three years at the helm.

In stepped Nils Nielsen, who became the first foreign manager in Nadeshiko history with his appointment in December 2024 – and the person charged with bringing glory to Japan again.

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.

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. 

#WAC Epic Moments: Relive and win prizes

Sun, 01 Feb, 2026

#WAC Epic Moments: Relive and win prizes

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has unveiled the AFC Women's Asian Cup™ Epic Moments, offering fans across the world the opportunity to relieve the nostalgia and pick their favorites.  

As the countdown to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ gathers pace, the AFC aims to celebrate the tournament's rich history while building momentum towards the Finals. Revisit the Goals, the Drama, the Glory and vote here 

Launched as part of the official build-up to the competition, Epic Moments invites fans around the world to relive defining scenes from past AFC Women's Asian Cup editions.