Australia and Uzbekistan recommended as hosts for 2026 and 2029 editions of AFC Women’s Asian Cup™
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Tashkent: Football Australia and the Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA) have been recommended as the Host Associations of the 2026 and 2029 editions of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ respectively by the AFC Women’s Football Committee today at its second meeting held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. While certain formalities of the bidding process are in the midst of being finalised, the Committee has mandated the AFC Administration to confirm the award of the Hosting Rights once all requirements are met.
Held on the eve of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024 Final between DPR Korea and Japan, Chairperson Ms. Kanya Keomany commenced proceedings by congratulating the two finalists on their commendable campaigns whilst also applauding the UFA for their exceptional organisational capabilities over the 14-day tournament.
Shifting the focus to the bidding process for the upcoming editions of the Continent’s most prestigious women’s national team tournament, the Committee noted the popularity of women’s football in Australia and further underlined its belief in Football Australia’s ability to maximise the promotion of the women’s game in Asia.
Chairperson Ms. Keomany said: “The FIFA Women’s World Cup that was co-hosted in Australia last year set new benchmarks and is widely regarded as the best edition in history, showcasing once again the strength of women’s football in Asia.
“Australia presents the opportunities to build on the commercial appeal of the competition and engage with more fans than ever before, so I am confident that Football Australia will stage a memorable spectacle that will not only elevate the women’s game but also set the standard for future editions of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™.”
Once officially confirmed in due course, the decision will see Australia, who were the only remaining bidder following the withdrawals of Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan, take centre-stage for only the second time in history as the women’s Continental showpiece returns to the nation two decades after the 2006 tournament was hosted in Adelaide.
Meanwhile Uzbekistan, the sole bidders for the 2029 edition, are set to be the first Central Asian nation to host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™. In assessing the UFA’s bid, the Committee noted Uzbekistan’s glowing track record of successfully staging recent AFC competitions, which include the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023, the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2022 and the ongoing AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024.
Commenting on the milestone decision, Chairperson Ms. Keomany added: “In 2022, India were the first South Asian host in more than 40 years, and in 2018, Jordan was the first ever West Asian host in history.
“Now in 2029, we have the opportunity to further realise our ambitions to grow and expand the reach of the women’s game all across the Continent, which will ultimately enhance the value proposition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ in the decades to come."
Additionally, in light of the impending launch of the breakthrough AFC Women’s Champions League in the second half of this year, the Committee also approved the Entry Requirements and the Club Nomination Methodology for the 2024/25 season with the full details to be communicated to all AFC Member Associations in due course.
The Committee was also updated on all matters related to women’s football across the domains of Competitions, Referees, and Technical since the last meeting, including the decision to reschedule the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024, which will be held from May 6 to 19.
All decisions will need to be ratified by the AFC Executive Committee to take effect.
2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, Australia
Football Australia Reveals Host Cities for AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026™ Bid
https://www.footballaustralia.com.au/ne ... 2026tm-bid
Football Australia is excited to announce New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia as the proposed host states for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™.
This confirmation of candidate host states highlights Australia’s status as the sole bidder for the event, backed by a recommendation from the AFC Women’s Football Committee in March. The final award of hosting rights is expected to be ratified by the AFC Executive Committee during May.
Following the remarkable success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™, this bid aims to sustain and enhance the economic and social impacts of major women’s football events. The tournament is projected to generate up to $260 million in economic output and create over 1,000 jobs.
James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia, discussed the broader implications of staging the tournament, stating, “Hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ offers a golden opportunity to continue the dynamic growth and popularity of women's football in Australia. Last year's FIFA Women's World Cup™ laid a robust foundation, and we are eager to build upon this legacy to further enhance our football landscape both nationally and regionally.”
Johnson also highlighted the importance of government support, emphasising, "The backing from all levels of government is crucial as we tackle the surge in participation and the urgent need for improved facilities. This support is essential to maintain the momentum and ensure the continuous development of the sport across the country."
“The Federal Government's 'Play Our Way' Grants programs is a welcomed initiative to address the community facilities gap. This type of ongoing support is essential to maintain the continuous development of the sport across the country."
The success of Australian national teams, including the Subway Socceroos and CommBank Matildas, has led to a nationwide increase in football participation, with an overall 12% increase in 2023 and an impressive 20% increase already noted in 2024. Football Australia is leveraging the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ as a platform to further boost participation and develop the sport, aligning with upcoming international events like the Brisbane 2032 Olympics & Paralympics.
The selection process for the candidate host states involved thorough discussions with state governments, ensuring that they are well-prepared to support the successful delivery of the tournament. Johnson added, “We are also engaging with the governments of states and territories that were not selected to be put forward as proposals, to explore future opportunities and ensure that the benefits of football's growth are shared nationwide.”
As the date for the final ratification from the AFC approaches, Football Australia is committed to working with all partners and the community to ensure that the tournament not only meets but exceeds expectations, building upon the legacy of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ and delivering stronger outcomes for women’s football in Australia and the region. The tournament dates in 2026 will be further discussed and confirmed with the AFC in due course.
https://www.footballaustralia.com.au/ne ... 2026tm-bid
Football Australia is excited to announce New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia as the proposed host states for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™.
This confirmation of candidate host states highlights Australia’s status as the sole bidder for the event, backed by a recommendation from the AFC Women’s Football Committee in March. The final award of hosting rights is expected to be ratified by the AFC Executive Committee during May.
Following the remarkable success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™, this bid aims to sustain and enhance the economic and social impacts of major women’s football events. The tournament is projected to generate up to $260 million in economic output and create over 1,000 jobs.
James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia, discussed the broader implications of staging the tournament, stating, “Hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ offers a golden opportunity to continue the dynamic growth and popularity of women's football in Australia. Last year's FIFA Women's World Cup™ laid a robust foundation, and we are eager to build upon this legacy to further enhance our football landscape both nationally and regionally.”
Johnson also highlighted the importance of government support, emphasising, "The backing from all levels of government is crucial as we tackle the surge in participation and the urgent need for improved facilities. This support is essential to maintain the momentum and ensure the continuous development of the sport across the country."
“The Federal Government's 'Play Our Way' Grants programs is a welcomed initiative to address the community facilities gap. This type of ongoing support is essential to maintain the continuous development of the sport across the country."
The success of Australian national teams, including the Subway Socceroos and CommBank Matildas, has led to a nationwide increase in football participation, with an overall 12% increase in 2023 and an impressive 20% increase already noted in 2024. Football Australia is leveraging the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ as a platform to further boost participation and develop the sport, aligning with upcoming international events like the Brisbane 2032 Olympics & Paralympics.
The selection process for the candidate host states involved thorough discussions with state governments, ensuring that they are well-prepared to support the successful delivery of the tournament. Johnson added, “We are also engaging with the governments of states and territories that were not selected to be put forward as proposals, to explore future opportunities and ensure that the benefits of football's growth are shared nationwide.”
As the date for the final ratification from the AFC approaches, Football Australia is committed to working with all partners and the community to ensure that the tournament not only meets but exceeds expectations, building upon the legacy of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ and delivering stronger outcomes for women’s football in Australia and the region. The tournament dates in 2026 will be further discussed and confirmed with the AFC in due course.