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.

Preview - Q-final: Australia v DPR Korea

Fri, 13 Mar, 2026

Preview - Q-final: Australia v DPR Korea

Perth: Former champions Australia and DPR Korea will put everything on the line when they square off in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2025/26 quarter-final at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Friday.

Australia, winners of the 2010 edition, are determined to go all the way after exiting in the quarter-finals in 2022, while three-time winners DPR Korea are vying to lift the trophy for the first  time since 2008.

Also at stake is automatic qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, adding spice to the tie.

Kerr: It’s all about Australia winning

Thu, 12 Mar, 2026

Kerr: It’s all about Australia winning

Perth: Captain Sam Kerr is determined to lead Australia to victory in Friday’s quarter-final against DPR Korea at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

With automatic qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 also on the line, Kerr expects Australia to produce a high level of intensity against the three-time winners.

Choe Il Son ready to take DPR Korea to new heights

Thu, 12 Mar, 2026

Choe Il Son ready to take DPR Korea to new heights

Perth: Choe Il Son believes DPR Korea have the belief and quality to rise to the challenge when they face hosts Australia in the quarter-finals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ on Friday.

The talented forward, the AFC Youth Player of the Year (Women) 2025, has been one of the standout young stars in women’s football after helping DPR Korea secure a historic double in 2024 with triumphs at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup and the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

Now turning her focus to the continental stage, Choe said the team are fully aware of the task ahead but the forward remains confident of delivering a strong performance.

#WAC2026 - Group Stage: In Numbers

Wed, 11 Mar, 2026

#WAC2026 - Group Stage: In Numbers

Sydney: The group stage of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ drew to a close on Tuesday after 18 thrilling matches.

Just eight teams remain in the hunt for the coveted title and as they plan their knockout stage journey, the-AFC.com takes a look at some facts and figures that caught the eye from the group stage.

Nagano caps birthday celebrations in style

Wed, 11 Mar, 2026

Nagano caps birthday celebrations in style

Perth: Fresh off celebrating her birthday on Monday, Fuka Nagano proved why she is Japan’s No.10 with a fabulous showing in their 4-0 defeat of Vietnam in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ Group C tie on Tuesday.

Nagano was the key link between the lines, orchestrating Japan’s attack with pinpoint passes all across the Perth Rectangular Stadium – leaving Riko Ueki, Maika Hamano, Aoba Fujino and Kiko Sieke to complete the job.

The 27-year-old Liverpool midfielder had a pass completion rate of over 90 percent - with more than 90 percent accuracy in Vietnam’s half, showcasing her ability to control play and initiate opportunities.