Ko rises to lead Korea Republic charge

Sun, 01 Mar, 2026

Ko rises to lead Korea Republic charge

Gold Coast: As she prepares to make her AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ debut on Monday, Ko Yoo-jin would hardly have imagined that she would be in this position a year ago.

Having featured for Korea Republic at various youth levels, most notably turning out at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016, the then-midfielder never quite made the leap to the senior side. While a maiden call-up came in April 2022, Ko never received a cap and did not feature in the set-up thereafter.

That was until March last year, when current head coach Shin Sang-woo gave her a second shot - one that Ko made the very best of. A long-awaited debut arrived in an away friendly against Australia in the following month, followed by five more appearances as she swiftly established herself at the heart of the defence.

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Preview - Group A: Korea Republic v IR Iran

Sun, 01 Mar, 2026

Preview - Group A: Korea Republic v IR Iran

Gold Coast: The respective head coaches of Korea Republic and Islamic Republic of Iran expressed confidence in their tournament preparations ahead of their opening AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ clash on Monday, which will represent the first-ever meeting between the pair.

Ranked 21st by FIFA, it will be the East Asians’ 55th match in competition history on their 14th appearance, while their 68th-ranked Central Asian opponents are participating in only their second edition after making their debut in 2022.

With expectations of going far Down Under, Shin Sang-woo is keen for the 2022 runners-up to start on a winning note but is not taking anything for granted despite the chasm in experience.

#WAC2026 - Caught on Camera

Sun, 01 Mar, 2026

#WAC2026 - Caught on Camera

Sydney: The AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is set for take off with the host cities - Sydney, Perth and Gold Coast buzzing with excitement.

The three cities have spared no effort in generating anticipation for the continental showpiece.

 

Ahead of the action kicking off on Sunday, the-AFC.com has captured the excitement of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ on camera.

Technological innovations take centre stage at #WAC2026

Fri, 27 Feb, 2026

Technological innovations take centre stage at #WAC2026

Sydney: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s unwavering commitment to advancing women’s football will once again be on full display when the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ kicks off on Sunday.

With 12 of Asia’s finest women’s national teams vying for the coveted title — as well as qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ — the 21st edition of the Continental showpiece will also showcase a comprehensive suite of technological innovations aimed at upholding the highest competition standards and ensuring the seamless delivery of match operations.

#WAC2026 - Squads revealed

Fri, 27 Feb, 2026

#WAC2026 - Squads revealed

Sydney: The continent’s finest have converged for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ with established stars and emerging talents set to light up the tournament.

The 12 sides hoping to achieve continental glory have announced their squads - with proven winners to debutants set to power their dreams and from the talented pool, the-AFC.com highlights one player per team to keep an eye on.