Australia have been selected to host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026, announced the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
This decision follows Australia’s successful hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year, which showcased top international female football talent.
The Matildas, Australia’s women’s national football team, remain popular after their inspiring performance in the Women’s World Cup. They played 14 consecutive sold-out matches in Australia, highlighting the nation’s enthusiasm for women’s football.
Founded in 1975, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup is the oldest women’s international football competition and the premier women’s football competition in the AFC region for national teams.
China won the last edition which was played in India, claiming the country’s ninth trophy and the status of the most successful nation at the tournament.
Australia have participated in only eight of the Asian Cup’s 20 editions, missing out on the tournament between 1981 and 2003 as the country was at the period not a member of the AFC.
On their return to the fold, Australia won their first and only AFC Women’s Asian Cup in China 2010 after beating North Korea on penalties in the final.
The Matilda’s have also finished as runners-up at three editions in 2006, 2014, and 2018.
Reacting to Australia winning the hosting right, the country’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, said:
“Hosting the Women’s Asian Cup brings the region to Australia, offering a chance to present modern Australia to millions of sports fans in Asia. Following the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 will once again unite us through sport.”
Last year, Australia co-hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup, where Spain won their first title by defeating England in the final.
This decision follows Australia’s successful hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year, which showcased top international female football talent.
The Matildas, Australia’s women’s national football team, remain popular after their inspiring performance in the Women’s World Cup. They played 14 consecutive sold-out matches in Australia, highlighting the nation’s enthusiasm for women’s football.
Founded in 1975, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup is the oldest women’s international football competition and the premier women’s football competition in the AFC region for national teams.
China won the last edition which was played in India, claiming the country’s ninth trophy and the status of the most successful nation at the tournament.
Australia have participated in only eight of the Asian Cup’s 20 editions, missing out on the tournament between 1981 and 2003 as the country was at the period not a member of the AFC.
On their return to the fold, Australia won their first and only AFC Women’s Asian Cup in China 2010 after beating North Korea on penalties in the final.
The Matilda’s have also finished as runners-up at three editions in 2006, 2014, and 2018.
Reacting to Australia winning the hosting right, the country’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, said:
“Hosting the Women’s Asian Cup brings the region to Australia, offering a chance to present modern Australia to millions of sports fans in Asia. Following the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 will once again unite us through sport.”
Last year, Australia co-hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup, where Spain won their first title by defeating England in the final.
Source:
Australia Govt
