Victoria a shock Matildas omission as AFC Women’s Asian Cup host

With Australia set to host the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, a decision regarding the Matildas has sparked outrage.

NSW, Queensland and Western Australia have been proposed as the host states for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, with Victoria and South Australia the major casualties.

Australia is the sole bidder for the tournament, which is set to generate $260 million in economic output.

Hosting rights will be announced next month by the Asian Football Confederation’s executive committee.

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The decision to leave Victoria off the list of venues comes as a shock given the new home base of the Matildas, literally called the “Home of the Matildas”, is in Bundoora in Melbourne’s north.

Melbourne has also turned out packed houses for games featuring the hugely popular Australian women’s team in recent years.

“Hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup offers a golden opportunity to continue the dynamic growth and popularity of women’s football in Australia,” Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said.

Hayley Raso (centre) and the rest of the Matildas captured the heart of a nation at last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Australia co-hosted last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup with New Zealand, with the Matildas reaching the semi-finals.

“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 said.

Expressions of interest for Asian Cup venues reportedly began before the start of the Women’s World Cup.

All states and territories were invited to make submissions.

“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,” Johnson said.

Fans packed out the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium during last year’s FIFA World Cup. (Photo by Mark Avellino/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

There was a fierce fallout to the decision on X, formerly Twitter.

“Football Australia not planning Women’s Asian Cup fixturing in Melbourne is either elitist rubbish or the Victorian Government showed no interest, despite being Home of the Matildas,” was one comment.

“Why did they bother building the Home of the Matildas in melbs then?” asked a disgruntled fan.

“The state that has “the home of the Matildas” facilities misses out. Very disappointing. Would be good to understand the reasons. Money? Stadium?” posed another.

“Pathetic and disgusting … home of Matild‍️as … booming grassroots competition and several A league mens / womens sides … not to mention the massive crowds during WC..but yeah nah lets play elsewhere ….would love to know reasons why … massive own goal in pr stakes,” added another.

Another fan wrote: “Again, Victoria is being left out, even though we have record crowds attending Matildas games in Victoria! Who is making these decisions?

“What the hell? No Melbourne!” added another.