- The first ever mascot for the Women's Asian Cup football tournament has been revealed on the Gold Coast.
- Fire Horse mascot "Naara" unveiled as a symbol of courage ahead of the highly anticipated tournament next year.
- Kicking off on 1 March, the 2026 tournament will unite 12 of Asia and the Middle East's top football nations with matches being played on the Gold Coast, Perth and Sydney.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy and making Queensland the events capital of the nation by securing global sporting events.
Queensland is the centrepiece of a history-making moment for women's football, with the unveiling of the first ever official mascot for the AFC Women's Asian Cup today on the Gold Coast.
Welcoming more than 400 volunteers who will make the event possible this International Volunteer Day, Fire Horse mascot "Naara" was introduced as a symbol of courage in the lead-up to the 2026 series.
The Gold Coast will host six matches at the Gold Coast Stadium in Robina, including four group-stage fixtures and a Matildas match on 5 March 2026 with an expected injection of $12.5 million into the Queensland economy.
The city will also host an important play-off double-header for qualification to the FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil in 2027.
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy, with the Destination 2045 tourism plan aimed at making Queensland the nation's events capital.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said Queensland was in a prime position to gain global recognition as the home of the holiday, and the events capital of the nation.
"Destination 2045 is about making Queensland the events capital of the country, and hosting the AFC Women's Asian Cup is proof we're delivering on that promise." Minister Powell said.
"By securing global tournaments like this, we're building a stronger economy and creating unforgettable experiences that showcase Queensland as the home of the holiday."
"Today's unveiling of Naara, the tournament's first-ever mascot, is a history-making moment for women's football and a celebration of the volunteers who will help bring this incredible event to life."
Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander said these games would certainly be ones to remember.
"This unforgettable tournament is set to rank among the most prominent and record-breaking editions in the history of the cup," Minister Mander said.
"I'd like to thank the volunteers who will make this a truly unforgettable event for those in the stands.
"It's moments like this that inspire the next generation of athletes and kids to get moving as we pave the green and gold runway to the 2032 Games."
AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Local Organising Committee Chief Operating Officer Sarah Walsh said the new mascot was a powerful symbol of courage, culture and ambition.
"Naara is a true fusion of cultures and a reminder that football is a truly global game," Ms Walsh said.
"She reflects what makes the AFC Women's Asian Cup so special – an Asian tournament delivered here in Australia, shaped by the richness of Asian tradition and deeply connected to Australia's First Nations history.
"Today is especially meaningful because we're celebrating her launch with the volunteers who will be the heart and soul of this tournament."
Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci said it was an exciting time for the sport.
"International Volunteer Day is a fitting occasion to acknowledge the crucial role volunteers play in the delivery of football across the state, including for the upcoming AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 on the Gold Coast," Mr Cavallucci said.
"Football Queensland is excited to welcome this major event to our shores in March as we play host to six unmissable matches and encourage our football community to take advantage of this opportunity to watch Asia's best female footballers in action in our own backyard."
