Australia proudly hosted the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Women's World Cup 2023. After the success of this event on home soil, we are proud to be hosting the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026.
Australia will host matches in Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney from 1 to 21 March 2026. These events will offer another chance for spectators to celebrate the Matildas and Asia's best female footballers.
The tournament will bring together 12 of the top women's national football teams from across Asia for the 21st edition of this prestigious tournament. The Matildas once again will be striving for success in front of a home crowd in this tournament. This follows their historic run to the semi-final stage of the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023.
The Australian Government has committed $15 million to support the successful delivery of the event and to boost women's sport.
Qualification pathway for the 2028 Olympics
For the first time, the event will also serve as the Asian qualification stage for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The top 8 teams from the tournament will advance to the new Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Major sporting events inspire our next generation
Hosting international sporting events benefits both the Australian community and economy. The upcoming 2026 FIFA Women's Asian Cup, 2027 Netball World Cup and 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup will provide an important spotlight for women's sport.
These opportunities help to:
- inspire young girls and women from all walks of life
- drive participation in football
- promote gender equity
- showcase Australia to the world
- achieve cultural and economic benefits.
In the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Australia will host several international sporting events as part of the green and gold decade. These events align to the Major Sporting Events Legacy Framework. The framework ensures these events provide economic, social, cultural, environmental and sporting benefits to Australia and enhances our international reputation.
Visit Football Australia's website to learn more.
