AIPS ASIA News:

Underpinned by the strategic reforms introduced to further strengthen the development of women’s football, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed the host associations for its upcoming women’s age-group competitions.

Officially ratified by the AFC Executive Committee at its last meeting on April 11, following the recommendations of the AFC Women’s Football Committee on March 31, 2025, The Football Association of Thailand has been confirmed as the Host Association of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ 2026.

At the same time, following the decision to organise the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ annually, the Chinese Football Association has been awarded the hosting rights to organise the competition for the next three editions from 2026 to 2028.

The decision will see China PR host the Continental showpiece for a record six times, having successfully organised the competition on three consecutive occasions from 2011 to 2015, with the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ returning to Thailand for only the second time in history.

DPR Korea will be looking to defend their titles in both competitions, having clinched not only the Continental crowns but also securing successive triumphs on the world stage last year.

The competition dates for the upcoming editions of both the Qualifiers and Finals of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ and the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™, which were approved at the 3^rd AFC Women’s Football Committee meeting in November last year, are tabled below.

Meanwhile, the Competitions Regulations of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ and the AFC Women’s Champions League™ 2025/26 as well as amendments to the Competitions Regulations of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, have also been approved.

Courtesy AFC