AFC Women's Asian Cup History Book

Photos

Nadeshiko, Nielsen part ways

Thu, 02 Apr, 2026

Nadeshiko, Nielsen part ways

Kuala Lumpur: The Japan Football Association announced on Thursday that Nils Nielsen’s contract as head coach of the women’s national team will not be renewed. 

The Dane steered Japan to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ title, defeating Australia 1-0 in the final.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/video/wac2026-tournament-review

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/video/wac2026-vote-for-your-favourite-knockout-stage-goal-presented-by-visa

#WAC2026 - Vote For Your Favourite Knockout Stage Goal Presented by Visa

Wed, 25 Mar, 2026

#WAC2026 - Vote For Your Favourite Knockout Stage Goal Presented by Visa

Sydney: The AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ knockout stage delivered football at its most dramatic, where moments of brilliance defined legacies and decided fates.

From ice-cold finishes under pressure to breathtaking solo efforts and perfectly crafted team moves, the stakes only elevated the quality on display.  

The-AFC.com invites you - the fans - to vote for the goal which you think was the best in the knockout stage. 

#WAC2026 - Facts & Figures

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

#WAC2026 - Facts & Figures

Sydney: The curtain came down on the record-breaking AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ with Japan defeating Australia in the final on Saturday.

It was a tournament filled with excitement and milestones and the-AFC.com picks out some interesting facts and figures from the continent's premier women's national team tournament.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/video/wac2026-final-review-japan-v-australia

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/video/wac2026-|-final-japan-1-0-australia

Hamano: That was my kind of goal

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Hamano: That was my kind of goal

Sydney: While many will consider Maika Hamano’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ title-winning goal as special, the forward knows it didn’t happen just by chance.

The 17th minute strike distinguished Japan from Australia in the final on Saturday, with the 21-year-old blasting home a swerving ball from the edge of the box that gave custodian Mackenzie Arnold no chance.

Nielsen hails brilliant Japan

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Nielsen hails brilliant Japan

Sydney: Japan’s resilience in the 1-0 win against Australia in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ final on Saturday won a special place in the heart of head coach Nils Nielsen.

Dominant in all their matches leading up to the final, the Nadeshiko had to dig deep to stop a buoyant home side backed by a record 74,397 partisan fans at Stadium Australia, much to the delight of the Danish tactician.

Montemurro proud of valiant Australia

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Montemurro proud of valiant Australia

Sydney:  Disappointment of losing did not prevent Joe Montemurro from paying tribute to a remarkable performance from Australia in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ final on Saturday.

The head coach was proud that his side gave Japan the sternest examination the East Asian side faced in the competition as the Matildas fought right until the end in their 1-0 defeat at a packed Stadium Australia.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/photo/wac2026-final-joy-tears

Australia’s Kennedy named Most Valuable Player

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Australia’s Kennedy named Most Valuable Player

Sydney: Australia's Alanna Kennedy was crowned the Most Valuable Player of the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2026™ after producing eye-catching performances throughout the tournament.

Australia’s 1-0 defeat to Japan in the final on Saturday did not take away a standout campaign for the 31-year-old.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup/photo/afc_womens_asian_cup_history_book.html