March 9 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) broke two of its women’s football records this weekend.
On Saturday, less than a week after the opening match in the Women’s Asian Cup Australia, ticket sales crossed the 250,000.
On Sunday a record-breaking 42 Member Associations (MAs) participated in AFC Women’s Football Day 2026 with a series of activities promoting and recognising the continued progress of the women’s game in Asia.
After just a week, the Women’s Asian Cup 2026 is already proving to be a game changing edition for women in the region and the AFC’s competition delivery.
The opening match between Australia and the Philippines saw a record 44,379 attendance at Perth Stadium. Last Thursday’s Group A tie between the hosts and Iran, took the aggregate attendance to almost 93,000 after 10 matches.
On Sunday a crowd of 60,279 at Stadium Australia in Sydney, saw the Aussies come from behind twice to secure a 3-3 draw with South Korea. Alanna Kennedy scored twice for Australia, including the late equaliser eight minutes into stoppage time. The record crowds are being rewarded with edge-of-your-seat football.
Paying tribute to the attendance landmark, AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John said: “As Asia’s premier women’s national team competition, we had full confidence that Australia 2026 would go down in history for the incredible passion and support shown by the fans.
“But to surpass a quarter of a million tickets sold in the very first week, on the eve of International Women’s Day no less, is truly special and embodies the palpable energy that defines this competition. I am certain that as we move closer to the knockout stage, we will witness many more such moments, and I wish everyone involved the very best of luck.”
South Korea’s draw with Australia saw them top Group A by a single goal on goal difference.
In Group B North Korea and China are level on points and meet next to decide the group winner.
In Group C Japan are unbeaten and look unassailable. They are three points ahead of Vietnam and Chinese Taipei and, yet to concede a goal, have a 13 goal advantage on goal difference. Japan meet Vietnam next, while Chinese Taipei, who beat Vietnam in the last group round, meet India.
Record-breaking 42 MAs participate in AFC Women’s Football Day 2026
The 12th edition of the annual Women’s Day celebration saw more than 25,000 participants participate in events across the AFC’s footprint.
Eight member associations – Bhutan, Guam, All India Football Federation, Kyrgyz Football Union, Northern Mariana Islands, Palestine, Singapore and Vietnam Football Federation – have taken part in all 12 editions.
AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said: “Today, as we mark the 12th year of celebrating this occasion, the world observes International Women’s Day and the Continent stands united not only in recognising the strength, resilience and achievements of women across all walks of life, but also in witnessing the 21st edition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup unfold before us.
“The past few days have already demonstrated the extraordinary spirit of women’s football in Asia, and the tournament has served as a powerful reminder of how far our women’s game has progressed — growing into a platform that symbolises excellence, ambition and opportunity for generations past, present and future.
“The performances we are witnessing on the pitch are a testament to the unwavering dedication of our MAs and Regional Associations, players, coaches, referees and administrators who have worked tirelessly to elevate the women’s game across the Continent.”
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