Australian Government announces $15 million funding support for 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup
A $15 million funding investment has today been announced by the Australian Government - delivering further support of Australia’s hosting the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup™.
The holding of the 21st edition of the world’s oldest women's international football competition is set to build on the significant impact of the CommBank Matildas on the Australian sporting landscape and further bolster the participation of women and girls in football across the nation.
Present at the official announcement, Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells noted “our Asian Cup funding builds on the $200 million Play Our Way program to improve women and girls sport facilities and builds on our investment for the Netball World Cup in 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029.
“Women’s sport is not a nice to have or a phase, it is brilliant, nation-stopping, and here to stay.”
The 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup will double as a qualification tournament for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.
Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong added “Hosting the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup will be another opportunity to bring the world to Australia, bring Australians together, showcase Australian excellence and inspire the next generation of athletes.
“This competition will put Australia at the heart of sport in our region, and our investment is another example of the Albanese Government’s commitment to make Australia even stronger and more influential through sport.”
While Federal Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher shared “when we invest in women’s football, we’re investing in more than a game, we are also inspiring future generations of sports stars.
“During the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the Matildas ignited the dreams of young players across the country, and with the Tillies leading the way, the future of women’s football in Australia is bright.”
Football Australia welcomed the Federal Government’s continued partnership in the organisation of world-class sporting and major events.
Football Australia Chief Executive, James Johnson noted “Australia is a recognised global leader in hosting major international football tournaments as demonstrated by our delivery of the best-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup last year.
“We convey our sincere appreciation for the Federal Government’s substantial investment today which now ensures Football Australia is well positioned to continue this tradition. With the competition poised to commemorate its 50th anniversary next year, it’s our ambition to elevate the experience of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup to a level that celebrates women’s football in our region, and further ignites dreams of the next generation of footballers throughout our confederation.
“Football has demonstrated that it is not only a wonderful vehicle for social inclusion, cohesion and change, but investing into global football tournaments such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026, makes economic sense through the significant boost into the domestic economy because of the tournament. Through our CommBank Matildas we have exhibited the powerful potential of women when they are invested in and engaged.
“There continues to be enormous potential growth in women’s football and hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup will strengthen our ability to establish a lasting impact for people from all backgrounds in Australia and across Asia.”
The 12-nation tournament will be held in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. No bid was made by Victoria despite the Victorian Government having spent $43 million to establish a facility at La Trobe University to make Victoria “the Home of the Matildas”.
The Federal Government investment package is set to aid in the successful delivery of Asia’s premier women’s football competition that is anticipated to result in over $250 million injected into local economies, 24,000 international visitors to Australia, over 1,000 jobs and a global television audience of hundreds of millions.
Australia is well placed to continue reaping the benefits of holding a major sporting tournament following the enormous economic success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 which saw a $490 million investment return of $1.32 billion in economic impact for the nation. The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 is positioned to maintain and strengthen the social and economic benefits.
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