Japan have been crowned champions of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ after a 1-0 win over Australia in front of 74,397 fans at Stadium Australia in Sydney, closing a tournament that organisers say set new benchmarks for attendance and engagement.
The final capped a 21-day competition held across Perth, the Gold Coast and Sydney, with total attendance reaching 355,528, the highest in the tournament’s history. The decider set a new record for a Women’s Asian Cup match, following earlier milestones including 44,379 at the opening match between Australia and the Philippines and 60,279 for Australia’s clash with Korea Republic.
Crowds also set records for matches between non-host nations, with the Korea Republic v Japan semi-final drawing 17,367 spectators after earlier marks were surpassed during the tournament.
Six teams have secured qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™, with Australia, Japan, China PR, Korea Republic, Philippines and Korea DPR finishing as the top sides.
Sarah Walsh, Chief Operating Officer of the tournament, said the event reflected the growth of the women’s game across the region.
“The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ has been a truly landmark tournament, and a powerful reflection of just how far women’s football has come across Asia and here in Australia.
“Over the past three weeks, we have seen record-breaking crowds, extraordinary football, and an incredible sense of connection in our host cities. To close the tournament with a sold-out Final at Stadium Australia is a fitting finale to what has been an inspiring and unforgettable competition.
“What has made this edition so special is not just what happened on the pitch, but the way communities came together around it. This tournament has celebrated the diversity of our region and shown the power of women’s football to bring people together.
“We set out to deliver the biggest, boldest and most successful AFC Women’s Asian Cup in history, and I’m immensely proud that we’ve achieved that. I’m also incredibly thankful to our government partners, the staff, volunteers, all the fans, and everyone who played a part in bringing that vision to life.”
The tournament introduced several operational and commercial elements, including a dedicated match ball, a mascot, an official anthem and the use of Video Assistant Referee technology from the group stage. A panel of 45 referees and officials from 20 member associations oversaw matches.
Off the pitch, fan zones and community activations were held at each venue, alongside Health Hubs designed to extend the event experience beyond matches. Entertainment included performances by Audrey Nuna, ZIPPORAH, Dami Im and G Flip across opening and closing ceremonies.
Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells said the event demonstrated the reach of women’s sport.
“I am beyond proud that Australia has hosted the most successful AFC Women’s Asian Cup in history, with record crowds joining the spectacle and celebrating the best of women’s sport.
“From the playground to podium, the Albanese Government is committed to supporting physical activity for women and girls and our $15 million investment in this tournament is elevating women’s sport in Australia through another world-class major event.
“Congratulations to the Matildas and all the teams on their stellar performances, and to everyone involved in staging this historic event.”
New South Wales hosted 11 matches, including the final, with Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper noting the scale of turnout.
“The Matildas rounded off the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Sydney in front of a massive crowd at Stadium Australia tonight, with fans also cheering them on at Sydney’s Tumbalong Park Live site, and across the state.
“Sydney has played host to tens of thousands of visitors and locals at 11 AFC Women’s Asian Cup matches, including two quarterfinals, a semi-final and tonight’s final.
“The tournament has brought together a diverse range of communities who have turned out in record-breaking numbers to witness some of the best women’s football in the world.
“Sydney continues to shine as the major events capital of the Asia Pacific by offering unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors of all ages.”
Queensland and Western Australia also hosted matches, with both states pointing to tourism and economic benefits.
Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said, “Queensland is cementing its reputation as Australia’s event capital, with the Women’s Asian Cup on the Gold Coast showcasing our global appeal for world-class events.
“The tournament has delivered an unforgettable celebration of football, bringing together elite talent, passionate fans, and a vibrant atmosphere in one of our most iconic tourism regions.
“Congratulations to every player, team, organiser, and supporter who made this the most successful tournament in history and reinforced Queensland as the Event State.”
Western Australia’s Minister for Tourism Reece Whitby said, “The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 has been an outstanding, record-breaking tournament – and I’m incredibly proud of the vital role Western Australia has played in bringing it to life. From hosting the prestigious Opening Match and Ceremony to Perth crowds witnessing the Matildas’ triumphant quarter-final and semi-final victories, these moments will be remembered as part of our sporting history.
“The Western Australian Government recognises the immense value major events bring to our State and their contribution to our economic diversification strategy. Not only do they showcase Perth and our world-class sporting facilities to millions of viewers internationally, but they also attract visitors who fill our hotels, restaurants, cafes and pubs – directly supporting the tourism sector, local jobs and businesses.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the city had benefited from hosting matches.
“The Gold Coast has delivered world-class football, great crowds and an unbeatable atmosphere.
“We’ve shown players and fans from across Asia why our city is a leading major events destination.
“Events like this not only inspire the next generation of footballers, but also deliver real benefits for our local economy, supporting tourism, jobs and businesses right across the Gold Coast.”
A volunteer workforce of 1,200 people supported the event, with organisers noting that 55 per cent came from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, representing 85 nationalities.
The tournament closes with Japan as champions, six teams qualified for the next World Cup and attendance records set across multiple host cities, reflecting continued growth in women’s football across Asia.
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