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. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3155261

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3155265

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.

China PR’s Li determined to retain title

Thu, 05 Feb, 2026

China PR’s Li determined to retain title

Kuala Lumpur: As she gears up for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, Li Mengwen is spurred on by the unforgettable memories from the 2022 edition. 

Named to the China PR squad for Asia’s flagship women’s national team competition in India, Li made her tournament debut as Shui Qingxia’s side ended a 16-year trophy drought by clinching a record-extending ninth title.

Having come from behind to triumph in both the last eight and semi-finals, it was perhaps fitting that the Steel Roses mounted the most stunning of comebacks in the final. Trailing 2-0 at the break to Korea Republic, they drew level after two goals within four minutes in the second half before a 93rd-minute strike from Xiao Yuyi sealed ultimate glory in dramatic fashion.

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.

#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.