Football NSW celebrates hosting rights for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™

Football NSW has expressed its delight with Australia being officially awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 edition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed the decision on Wednesday following Australia’s successful co-hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

The prestigious event will bring together 12 nations in a tournament structured into three groups of four, showcasing matches across the three host states of New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.

Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas welcomed the announcement with New South Wales set to play a major role in the tournament.

“Australia earning the right to host is incredible news for the entire football community in NSW,” he said.

“Following on from the success of hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year, this massive spectacle presents yet another wonderful opportunity for our valued football family and the wider community to witness some of the best female football nations Asia has to offer.

“We look forward to working closely with Football Australia in promoting what will be an unforgettable tournament which will help continue the monumental rise of female football and inspire many more participants in our game.”

The selection of New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia as host states promises extensive national engagement and support for the tournament, which is expected to generate up to $260 million in economic output and create over 1,000 jobs.

2026 will be the second time Australia plays host to the tournament, having also staged the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ in 2006.

The tournament dates will be confirmed with the AFC in due course, with training and venue inspections to occur in the coming months.