News

#WAC2026 Dream XI: Pick your defenders

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

#WAC2026 Dream XI: Pick your defenders

Kuala Lumpur: The road to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is beginning to feel real — and before the first whistle blows, fans get to take charge with the #WAC2026 Dream XI. Build your ultimate team from a curated pool where generational legends meet the next wave of stars. 

Goalkeeper? Sorted. Time for the backline. Three defenders who can organise, disrupt, lead and inspire. From penalty-box generals to flying wide defenders, your nominees are ready. 

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your dream goalkeeper

Mon, 08 Dec, 2025

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your dream goalkeeper

Sydney: Twelve teams will head to Australia next year seeking ultimate glory at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

To warm up, the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Dream XI lets football fans pick 11 of their favourite players from a pool of all-time greats and rising stars. 

We begin where titles so often tilt: the goalkeeper's spot.

You're choosing the last line of defence for your Dream XI—presence, poise and big-match nerve required. From an era-defining icon to a modern-day hero, here are the five nominees. 

First-ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ mascot unveiled

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

First-ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ mascot unveiled

Gold Coast: With less than 100 days to go, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ today unveiled the first-ever official mascot in the history of the competition: Naara, the fire horse.

Introduced to fans amid festivities celebrating International Volunteers’ Day in Gold Coast, the milestone follows the launch of WAVEMAKER, the tournament’s first-ever bespoke match ball created by Kelme, further underscoring the AFC’s commitment to setting new benchmarks for the Continent’s premier women’s national team competition.

Wins for Japan, Australia

Tue, 02 Dec, 2025

Wins for Japan, Australia

Kuala Lumpur: Japan earned their second win over Canada in four days, with Mina Tanaka’s first half strike giving them a 1-0 win at Nagasaki Stadium on Tuesday.

Australia, meanwhile, also defeated New Zealand for a second time, winning 2-0.

Australia, Japan impress; Korea Republic held; defeat for Bangladesh

Sat, 29 Nov, 2025

Australia, Japan impress; Korea Republic held; defeat for Bangladesh

Kuala Lumpur: Australia and Japan produced impressive performances in victories against New Zealand and Canada as they continued their preparations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

Australia defeated New Zealand 5-0 on Friday while Japan cruised 3-0 past Canada on Saturday.

Korea Republic were held by Wales while Bangladesh, who will be making their AFC Women’s Asian Cup debut, suffered defeat against Malaysia.

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Build Your Team and win an Exclusive Trip to the Final

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Build Your Team and win an Exclusive Trip to the Final

Kuala Lumpur: Twelve teams are bound for Australia next year to chase the ultimate prize at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

To get you match-ready, the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Dream XI invites fans everywhere to pick their perfect team of 11 from a star-studded pool that blends all-time greats with rising talents. 

Ready to pick your XI and play for a place at the Final? Build your team now at the-afc.com/wac_dreamxi or on the AFC LIVE app.

Think you can spot greatness? Back your instincts, lock in your XI, nail the pop-up question, and you could be on your way to the Final. 

#WAC2026 Official Match Ball makes first appearance at 100-day countdown

Fri, 21 Nov, 2025

#WAC2026 Official Match Ball makes first appearance at 100-day countdown

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ today marked the 100-day countdown to the Continent’s premier women’s national team competition in Sydney, Australia.

The celebration signalled a monumental milestone for the women’s game in Asia, as the official match ball, WAVEMAKER – the first-ever bespoke ball for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ created by Kelme – made its first physical appearance for fans to view up close.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/video/wac2026-|-100-days-to-go

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/video/meet-the-official-match-ball-for-afc-women’s-asian-cup-australia-2026™

WAVEMAKER announced as Official Match Ball of AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

WAVEMAKER announced as Official Match Ball of AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Kuala Lumpur: With just over 100 days to go to the Continent’s premier women’s showpiece, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Kelme are proud to unveil WAVEMAKER – the Official Match Ball for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, which will be held from March 1 to 21.

Inspired by the powerful nature surrounding Australia’s stunning coastline, WAVEMAKER captures the dynamic rhythm of ocean waves, symbolising the fearless spirit of women athletes riding the tide of progress and breaking barriers, as well as the resilience and unity to strive for excellence.

AFC welcomes Anytime Fitness as Official Regional Partner of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

AFC welcomes Anytime Fitness as Official Regional Partner of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today announced Anytime Fitness as the Official Regional Partner of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, underscoring a mutual commitment to promoting health, well-being, and community engagement through the unifying power of the beautiful game, inspiring people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds across the Continent.

As part of the collaboration, Anytime Fitness will support initiatives that celebrate strength, community, and leadership both on and off the pitch. Specifically, Anytime Fitness will integrate its brand into the Official AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026™ Volunteer Programme, which will be promoted as the "Official AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026™ Volunteer Programme Powered by Anytime Fitness." The initiative is designed to provide recognition and support that fosters confidence, empowering volunteers to become ambassadors of health and wellness.

Australia, Japan stumble in friendlies

Wed, 29 Oct, 2025

Australia, Japan stumble in friendlies

Kuala Lumpur: Australia fell to a 3-0 defeat against England in an international friendly in Derby on Tuesday.

Japan also found Norway too strong, with the European side registering a 2-0 win.