The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 kicks off on Sunday in the Western Australian city of Perth, with Sam Kerr's Matildas facing the Philippines in a tournament organisers hope will generate the same excitement as the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Bangladesh will be competing in the tournament for the first time in history, with the women in red and green set to begin their campaign against reigning champions China two days later.
The showcase, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, sparked massive public interest in women’s football during previous events, attracting strong crowds and high television audiences.
While the Asian Cup is not the World Cup, organizing committee chief Sarah Walsh, a former Australian international, remains optimistic, saying it will “absolutely be the biggest Women’s Asian Cup ever.”
Walsh stressed the event also aims to break down barriers for women on a continent where gender equality can sometimes lag.
“We have a responsibility as hosts to ensure this isn’t just 21 days of fun but that we are progressing the development of the countries playing in the finals,” she said.
Defending champion China will begin their title defence determined to revive past glories but face stiff competition from traditional heavyweights Japan, hosts Australia, and resurgent North Korea.
Australia’s women’s team is the firm favorite, thanks to home-field advantage and the return of star captain Sam Kerr, who is back in the squad after an 18-month ACL recovery.
They are drawn in Group A alongside Iran, South Korea, and the Philippines.
The Matildas, seeking to win the title for a second time, are determined to lay down an early marker, while the Philippines aim to continue their remarkable rise with a statement performance.
Head coach Joe Montemurro said: “Every now and then, you dream of moments like this, and we’re looking forward to an amazing tournament. There will be some very special memories made, and we’re proud to be hosting the tournament and excited for what promises to be a fantastic journey.”
Defending champions China are in Group B along with three-time champions North Korea, Uzbekistan, and debutant Bangladesh.
As the most successful team in history with nine titles, China remains a serious contender. Ranked 17th in the world, they are now led by former Australian coach Ante Milicic.
Often described as a "dark horse" turned favorite, North Korea is currently ranked No. 9 in the world. They are highly favored due to recent dominance in youth football, having won the U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups in 2024.
Other favorites include Japan, placed in Group C alongside Vietnam, India, and Chinese Taipei.
Japan is the highest-ranked Asian team at No. 8 globally. Under coach Nils Nielsen, they boast a squad with 16 players based in England’s WSL, including Manchester City’s Yui Hasegawa and 2023 World Cup top scorer Hinata Miyazawa.
The tournament marks Bangladesh’s first-ever appearance at Asia’s premier women’s football competition, a historic milestone for the country.
With established powers and emerging challengers in the mix, the 12-team tournament promises high-stakes encounters as Asia’s top teams chase continental glory and momentum ahead of future global competitions.