CANBERRA, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Football Australia (FA) has announced its proposed host states for the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup.
FA on Monday announced that New South Wales (NSW), Queensland and Western Australia (WA) will share hosting duties for the 2026 tournament.
The AFC Women's Football Committee named Australia as the recommended host in March as the sole bidder - a decision that will be ratified by the AFC Executive Committee in May.
NSW, Queensland and WA hosted games for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, at Stadium Australia and Sydney Football Stadium in NSW, Queensland's Lang Park in Brisbane and WA's Perth Rectangular Stadium.
FA has not said which state will host the final but said each would share in a 260 million Australian dollar (167 million U.S. dollar) economic boost generated by the tournament.
Stadium Australia hosted the Women's World Cup final as well as a semifinal, attracting sold-out crowds of over 75,000 for both games.
"Hosting the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 offers a golden opportunity to continue the dynamic growth and popularity of women's football in Australia," FA chief executive James Johnson said in a statement.
"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."
12 teams across three groups will participate in the 2026 Women's Asian Cup, which will also act as the final stage of the AFC qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Australia last hosted the Women's Asian Cup in 2006 when the Matildas were beaten by China in the final on penalties.
The Steel Roses will enter the 2026 tournament as the reigning champions after beating South Korea 3-2 in the 2022 final. ■
