Matsunaga chasing World Cup dream with Chinese Taipei

Sat, 14 Feb, 2026

Matsunaga chasing World Cup dream with Chinese Taipei

Sydney: When Saki Matsunaga lined up to face Japan at the 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship last July, it represented a surreal and emotional experience for her.

Born in Funabashi, a city in Chiba Prefecture, Matsunaga picked up the sport at three under her father’s guidance and went on to play for Japan at the then-World University Games in 2017, before turning out for Sfida Setagaya FC and Ehime FC.

But, with a burning ambition to reach the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Matsunaga decided to embark on a different trajectory at the end of 2023.

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Vietnam’s Huynh Nhu confident of Asia’s rise

Fri, 13 Feb, 2026

Vietnam’s Huynh Nhu confident of Asia’s rise

Kuala Lumpur: Huynh Nhu’s longevity in women’s football with various clubs and the Vietnam national team marks her as the poster figure for budding players in the football-mad Southeast Asian country.

Huynh Nhu has served her nation with honour and diligence for 15 years, a career path that she has no regrets taking ever since the opportunity opened up to her to be a professional player at the age of 17.

While a large chunk of her career was spent with Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC, Huynh Nhu has had the opportunity to play two years in Portugal in 2022 with Vilaverdense FC, a period which opened her eyes to the potential of Asian players.

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.

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.

#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.