#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.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/video/wac2026-|-group-c-india-0-11-japan

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3161836

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3161837

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.

Nielsen expects Japan to get even better

Tue, 10 Mar, 2026

Nielsen expects Japan to get even better

Perth: Japan may have sizzled but head coach Nils Nielsen believes there is still room for improvement after Japan stayed perfect in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Vietnam in Group C on Tuesday.

Riko Ueki opened Japan’s account at the Perth Rectangular Stadium in the first half, with further goals from Maika Hamano, Aoba Fujino and Koko Seike completing the impressive victory as Japan concluded the group stage with 17 scored and none conceded. 

Prasobchoke basks in Chinese Taipei’s progress

Wed, 11 Mar, 2026

Prasobchoke basks in Chinese Taipei’s progress

Sydney: Prasobchoke Chokemor praised the determination of his Chinese Taipei side after they defeated India 3-1 in their final Group C encounter to book a place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ on Tuesday.

With the victory sealing their second win of the campaign, Prasobchoke was generous with his praise and keen to savour the moment.

Kudratova credits qualification to Uzbekistan’s strong mentality

Mon, 09 Mar, 2026

Kudratova credits qualification to Uzbekistan’s strong mentality

Perth: Nilufar Kudratova emerged the star in Uzbekistan sealing AFC AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ quarter-final qualification on Monday, with the midfielder striking the all important goal in the 4-0 win against Bangladesh. 

Her strike - which came in the 88th minute - meant Uzbekistan had the four goals they needed to be assured of advancing as one of the two best third-placed teams with the 28-year-old crediting the team’s strong mentality for meeting their target. 

#WAC2026 - Knockout Stage cast finalised

Tue, 10 Mar, 2026

#WAC2026 - Knockout Stage cast finalised

Sydney: The knockout stage cast of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ was completed on Tuesday as the group stage came to a thrilling end.

The quarter-finals will be played between Friday and Sunday, with defending champions China PR leading four other former winners into the business end of the continental showpiece.