Australia will be centre stage in international women's sport as the AFC Women's Asian Cup kicks off across the country for the first time in two decades.
The Albanese Government is investing $15 million to support the tournament, ensuring a world-class event showcasing Australia's sporting capability and commitment to women's sport.
Hosting the AFC Women's Asian Cup will shine a global spotlight on Australia's female sporting talent, while delivering lasting benefits for communities, regions and the visitor economy.
Australia's national team, the Matildas, will compete against the best in Asia, inspiring the next generation of women and girls to get involved in sport and follow in their footsteps.
The support for the tournament is in line with Australia's National Sport Strategy, Sport Horizon, and complements the continued support for women and girls in sport through the record $200 million Play Our Way program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong:
"This tournament is an opportunity to showcase the very best of Australia to audiences right across our region and the world.
"Sport has a unique ability to bring people together, and in these uncertain times, the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 will help strengthen ties between Australia and our neighbours while uniting Australians at home.
"We all love the Matildas - they represent the determination, optimism and teamwork that defines Australia - and we can't wait to see them make us all proud once again."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher:
"Hosting the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 is about more than a tournament, it is about continuing the momentum for equality in sport and making sure women and girls see that their talent, ambition and leadership belong on the biggest stages.
"This investment reflects our commitment to breaking down barriers for women and girls, strengthening pathways from grassroots to elite competition, and ensuring the legacy of major sporting events delivers lasting change for gender equality in Australia."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:
"From playgrounds to podiums, the Albanese Government is empowering women and girls to thrive at all levels of sport and the Women's Asian Cup will inspire more Australians to be active.
"We are committed to creating lasting opportunities, particularly for our female athletes, ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic games.
"The 2023 World Cup and the Matildas redefined sport in Australia and we are backing our team and women's sport though this $15 million investment."
Quote attributable to Chief Operating Officer of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Local Organising Committee, Sarah Walsh:
"The AFC Women's Asian Cup is a landmark moment for women's sport in this country. We sincerely thank the Australian Government for its investment and support in helping deliver the biggest and most high-profile Women's Asian Cup in history and set new benchmarks for women's football in Asia.
"Welcoming Asia's best teams to Perth, the Gold Coast and Sydney is both a privilege and a powerful statement about Australia's commitment to growing the women's game across our region.
"This tournament is about more than crowning a champion. It is about inspiring the next generation, celebrating the diversity of our communities, and creating visible pathways for women and girls to see what is possible on the biggest stages.
"We cannot wait to see the Matildas step out at Perth Stadium on Sunday in front of home fans and launch what promises to be an unforgettable and record-breaking three weeks of competition."
