Australia braces for Matildas mania with Asian Cup all but locked in

Matildas mania is set to sweep the country once again in 2026 with confirmation Australia is the recommended host and sole remaining bidder of the women’s Asian Cup.

Australia is the recommended host and sole remaining bidder of the women’s Asian Cup. Pics Adam Head

Matildas mania is set to sweep the country once again in 2026 with confirmation Australia is the recommended host and sole remaining bidder of the women’s Asian Cup.

The success of the 2023 women’s World Cup in Australia has convinced the Asian Football Confederation the tournament must return here for the first time in 20 years after bids from Uzbekistan, Jordan and Saudi Arabia all withdraw from the process.

Football Australia will still need to satisfy certain criteria before the tournament will be officially confirmed as coming down under, but it is almost certain the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup will be staged here just three years after the FIFA World Cup captivated the nation.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson was confident Australia could work with the relevant state governments to secure another major women’s football event in Australia.

Australia win after a very tense penalty shootout during the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter final. Pics Adam Head

“We are thrilled to be recommended as the host for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026,” Johnson said.

“This recognition reflects the tireless efforts and commitment of everyone involved in women’s football throughout Australia.

“We are committed to working with the AFC to satisfy the remaining requirements and delivering an outstanding tournament that will further enhance the women’s game and create a lasting legacy for future generations.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup had a profound impact, not just on women’s football or women’s sports generally, but also on broader Australian society.

“It put Australia on the global football map and cemented our reputation as an excellent host of global football competitions.

“We are confident that hosting another global event like the AFC Women’s Asian Cup will have a similarly positive impact for Australians, the AFC and for women’s football in Asia.”

Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold mixes with fans during the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which united the country like never before. Picture: Supplied

The success of Australia hosting the women’s World Cup last year, with sold out stadiums across the country, convinced the AFC Women’s Football Committee that the game simply had to return to Australia.

The Matildas have arguably become Australia’s most popular sporting team, with 13 consecutive sold out home matches proving their undoubted popularity.

Australia last hosted the Women’s Asian Cup in 2006 in Adelaide.

“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,” AFC Women’s Football committee Chairperson Kanya 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.”

Originally published as Australia braces for Matildas mania with Asian Cup all but locked in