2026 Women’s Asian Cup: Queensland, NSW and Western Australia to host $260m tournament

While Australia is yet to be officially ticked off as tournament hosts – three states have been identified as the homes of the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 28: Kyra Cooney-Cross of Australia, Katrina Gorry of Australia and Charlotte Grant of Australia celebrate after winning the AFC Women's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Asian Qualifier Round 3 match between Australia Matildas and Uzbekistan at Marvel Stadium on February 28, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Queensland, NSW and Western Australia will host the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup and share in an estimated $260 million economic boost created by Matildas mania.

While yet to be named as hosts, Football Australia is the sole remaining bidder for the tournament and the Australian states are due to be ratified this month.

It follows the successful 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which was held across Australia and New Zealand.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson said in August, when he confirmed his organisation would be bidding to host the competition, that $45 million was needed in joint funding from the Federal and State Governments.

The tournament is predicted to create 1000 jobs and a $260 million economic boost.

Football Australia has not revealed how much each state or the Federal Government were chipping in.

The Matildas are the hottest ticket in Australian sport. Picture: Getty

Johnson said the selection process had involved discussions with state governments to ensure they were “well prepared to support the successful delivery of the tournament”.

The tournament will feature 12 teams playing a total of 27 games.

It will also double as the final stage of Asian qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The 2010 Asian Cup was the last major tournament the Matildas won.

The Matildas suffered a shock 1-0 quarter-final loss to South Korea in the 2022 edition of the tournament and will be determined to get a much better result in front of a home crowd.

With no major tournament in 2025, the Asian Cup could be the first event for a new-look Matildas side because several big names are expected to announce their retirements from national football after the Paris Olympics this year.

James Johnson has said that $45m in government funding will be needed. Picture: Getty

It is yet to be revealed how many games will be played in each state and which state will host the finals.

Johnson said hosting the tournament was another golden chance for women’s football to grow in popularity in Australia.

Football participation numbers grew 12 per cent in 2023 and another 20 per cent has already been reported for 2024.

“Last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup laid a robust foundation and we are eager to build on this legacy to further enhance our football landscape both nationally and regionally,” Johnson said.

Johnson said the backing of all levels of government was crucial to making the tournament a success.

“The support is essential to maintain the momentum and ensure the continuous development of the sport across the country,” he said.

The tournament dates are yet to be confirmed.