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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.

Karachik’s Uzbekistan journey defined by challenges

Mon, 02 Feb, 2026

Karachik’s Uzbekistan journey defined by challenges

Kuala Lumpur: Football will always have a variety of meaning for Lyudmila Karachik, the icon of women’s football in Uzbekistan with her journey in the sport bookmarked at various stages by the challenges faced.

At an early age, football became a form of escape for Karachik that eventually turned into something more as she led Uzbekistan to a return to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ after a 23-year absence.

From her beginnings to helping Uzbekistan overcome their heartbreak, the 30-year-old sat down with the-AFC.com to share her experience.

Yallop: Time for Australia to win AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ again

Fri, 23 Jan, 2026

Yallop: Time for Australia to win AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ again

Sydney: Sixteen years after helping Australia to Continental glory, Tameka Yallop believes the moment has come for the Matildas to reign supreme again.

The 2010 triumph remains the only time that Australia have lifted the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ trophy and a career highlight for Yallop, who made her international debut in 2007 as the 148th Matilda and has since amassed 134 caps and 14 goals.

A wide smile spreads across Yallop’s face as she recalls a recent gathering between some members from that winning side, who recounted their experiences for a documentary that was released by Football Australia last May.

#WAC2026: The Dream XI revealed

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026

#WAC2026: The Dream XI revealed

Kuala Lumpur: After thousands of votes, the verdict is in. The ultimate #WAC2026 Dream XI is revealed. 

Twelve teams will head to Australia in less than a month in pursuit of ultimate continental glory at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™. 

To build momentum ahead of kick-off, the #WAC2026 Dream XI Campaign invited fans across Asia and beyond to look back, debate, and celebrate the players who have defined and continue to shape women's football on the continent.

From all-time greats who laid the foundations to modern icons and rising stars carrying the torch forward, supporters were given one simple but powerful task: picking the best XI from an elite pool of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards. 

And now, the stars of the shows: 

#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. 

#WAC2026 one-month countdown begins with Trophy Road Trip

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026

#WAC2026 one-month countdown begins with Trophy Road Trip

Perth: The one-month countdown to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ got underway in spectacular fashion at Scarborough Beach in Perth, where the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee launched the official AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ Trophy Road Trip.

Set against Western Australia’s iconic coastline, the launch offered fans a rare chance to get up close to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ trophy, the most prestigious silverware in women’s football in Asia.

#WAC - Through the years

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026

#WAC - Through the years

Kuala Lumpur: With just 30 days to go before the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ kicks off, the-AFC.com takes a trip down memory lane of the Continent's premier women's national team tournament.

The AFC Women's Asian Cup has played a pivotal role in developing Asia's teams and it is a fact that the competitiveness of the women's game in the Continent is the reason why Asian teams are a force on the world stage, with five currently ranked in the top 25 of the FIFA World Rankings.

Audrey Nuna to headline AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ opening ceremony

Tue, 27 Jan, 2026

Audrey Nuna to headline AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ opening ceremony

Perth: Adding to the excitement of the highly anticipated AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee have today confirmed KPop Demon Hunters star Audrey Nuna as the headline act at the Opening Ceremony on March 1, 2026.

Widely recognised as one of the most influential emerging voices in global pop culture, Audrey Nuna is best known for lending her singing voice to Mira in the global hit film KPop Demon Hunters and will take to the stage ahead of the opening match between Australia and the Philippines at Perth Stadium.

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your forwards

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your forwards

Kuala Lumpur: You are almost there. One final decision remains: Strikers to complete your Dream XI after you've selected your Goalkeeper, Defenders and Midfielders. 

Twelve teams will head to Australia in March for ultimate glory at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™. To warm up, the Dream XI gives fans the chance to pick 11 of your favourite players, from all-time greats to modern icons.

The poacher. The Finisher. The assassin who turns half-chances into history.

Here are the nominees for Dream Forwards. 

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your midfielders

Wed, 24 Dec, 2025

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your midfielders

Kuala Lumpur: Following your Dream Goalkeeper and Defenders of the #WAC2026 Dream XI, it's time for the fans to pick the engine room of the team: the Dream Midfielders. 

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.

Below is the list of the nominees who cover every blade of grass, set the tempo and decide matches with a pass, a press or a moment of genius.