Australia is preparing to host the biggest celebration of women’s football in Asia, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
The tournament is set to host matches across Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney from 1-21 March 2026, with first ticket release happening from Friday, 18 July for presale and general public sales on Friday, 25 July.
“Our first ticket release marks an exciting milestone on the road to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026,” Chief Operating Officer of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 Local Organising Committee, Sarah Walsh said.
“With just under eight months to go, the journey to March truly begins for fans.”
“We’re thrilled to be opening the doors and inviting people across the country to be part of this landmark tournament,” said Walsh, adding that the tickets are a chance for fans to celebrate “the power of the women’s game on home soil”.
Announced this week, Visa will sponsor the highly-anticipated tournament. The brand has a history of supporting women’s football, including being the first ever UEFA sponsor dedicated to women’s football, as well as the first global FIFA women’s football partner.
“Visa has been one of the first supporters of my sporting journey, and I can’t wait to see how we build on the momentum and energy from the FIFA Women’s World Cup back in 2023 for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup,” Ellie Carpenter, Matildas player and Visa brand ambassador, said in a statement.
AFC general secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John said: “The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 aims to be the greatest ever edition in the tournament’s history, and we look forward to working in close collaboration with Visa to realise our shared ambitions for the growth and empowerment of the women’s game across Asia.”
This is the second time Australia has hosted the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, with the first being in 2006.
China has been the most successful team at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. They’ve won eight titles, including a staggering seven in-a-row – from 1986 to 1999.
The event was first held in 1975, where New Zealand became the inaugural champions- the nation’s only title thus far.
Twelve nations are scheduled to take to the fields in 2026, including Australia, China, Thailand and South Korea.
The semi-finalists from the 2026 tournament will directly qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, while quarter finalists will advance to the qualifying rounds for the Olympics.