Kuala Lumpur, February 23, 2026: The grandest spectacle of women’s football on the Continent will commence when 12 of Asia’s finest women’s national teams converge Down Under for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, which kicks off on March 1. The 21st edition of the competition will take place from March 1 to 21, 2026, across Perth, Gold Coast, and Sydney, featuring spectacular venues, including those used during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, as the tournament returns to Australia for the first time since 2006. Hosts Australia kick off Group A when they face the Philippines at the 60,000-capacity Perth Stadium at 5pm on March 1. Backed by home support, the Matildas aim to reclaim the title they last won in 2010, while the Filipinas seek to better their 2022 showing when they reached the Semi-finals for the first time.

Elsewhere in Group A, 2022 runners-up Korea Republic embark on their journey on March 2 against the Islamic Republic of Iran at the Gold Coast Stadium at 7pm. Despite taking part in every edition of the Finals since 1991, the Taeguk Ladies continue their search for a maiden title, while IR Iran, appearing in the competition for the second time, will look to claim their first points in the Continental showpiece. Over in Group B, action begins when the Western Sydney Stadium welcomes DPR Korea and Uzbekistan on March 3 at 1pm. Returning to the competition for the first time since 2010, the East Asians, one of the most successful teams in the tournament’s history, arrive determined to revive their glory days, having been crowned champions thrice in the past. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan, who sealed their place in the Finals after a nail-biting qualifying campaign that went down to the wire, will set their sights on reaching the Knockout Stage for the first time. The venue continues to see further action when, at 7pm, defending champions China PR lock horns with debutants Bangladesh in the second Group B fixture. The most decorated side in the competition, with a record nine titles to their name, the Steel Roses begin their defence eager to start strong against the South Asian debutants, looking for an opportunity to upset the established order.

Finally, in Group C, an enticing clash between two former champions, Japan and Chinese Taipei, sets the ball rolling at Perth Rectangular Stadium on March 4, at 1pm.  The Nadeshiko go in pursuit of a third title but must first overcome their East Asian rivals, who, despite winning the competition three consecutive times between 1977 and 1981, have since seen their dominance wane, with Australia 2026 marking their first back-to-back Finals appearance since 2008. At the same venue, the remaining Group C sides, Vietnam and India, cross swords later in the day at 7pm. The Southeast Asians, despite featuring in every Finals edition since 1999, have progressed past the Group Stage only twice and aim to improve on their 2022 Quarter-final finish. On the other hand, the Blue Tigresses, runners-up in 1980 and 1983 and appearing in the Finals on merit for the first time, will be seeking to punch their ticket to the last eight and make up for their unfortunate withdrawal from the previous edition on home soil. On completion of the Group Stage battles, the top two sides from each group and the two best third-placed teams will secure their places in the Knockout Stage.

Beyond Continental glory, this will also mark the final time the Continental jewel determines Asia’s representatives at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The four Semi-finalists will secure direct qualification to the 2027 global showpiece; meanwhile, the four losing Quarter-finalists will be paired off to contest Playoff matches, with the two winners progressing to the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the two defeated sides moving to the FIFA Inter-continental Playoffs, where three more berths are on offer. With world-class venues and passionate supporters, Asia’s elite will vie for glory at an AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ that promises three weeks of captivating action.