Football Australia and the Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA) have been recommended as the Host Associations of the 2026 and 2029 editions of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ respectively by the AFC Women’s Football Committee at its second meeting held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

While certain formalities of the bidding process are in the midst of being finalised, the Committee has mandated the AFC Administration to confirm the award of the Hosting Rights once all requirements are met.

Held on the eve of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024 Final between DPR Korea and Japan, Chairperson Ms. Kanya Keomany commenced proceedings by congratulating the two finalists on their commendable campaigns whilst also applauding the UFA for their exceptional organisational capabilities over the 14-day tournament.

Shifting the focus to the bidding process for the upcoming editions of the Continent’s most prestigious women’s national team tournament, the Committee noted the popularity of women’s football in Australia and further underlined its belief in Football Australia’s ability to maximise the promotion of the women’s game in Asia.

Chairperson Ms. Keomany said: “The FIFA Women’s World Cup that was co-hosted in Australia last year set new benchmarks and is widely regarded as the best edition in history, showcasing once again the strength of women’s football in Asia.

“Australia presents the opportunities to build on the commercial appeal of the competition and engage with more fans than ever before, so I am confident that Football Australia will stage a memorable spectacle that will not only elevate the women’s game but also set the standard for future editions of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™.”

Once officially confirmed in due course, the decision will see Australia, who were the only remaining bidder following the withdrawals of Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan, take centre-stage for only the second time in history as the women’s Continental showpiece returns to the nation two decades after the 2006 tournament was hosted in Adelaide.

Meanwhile Uzbekistan, the sole bidders for the 2029 edition, are set to be the first Central Asian nation to host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™. In assessing the UFA’s bid, the Committee noted Uzbekistan’s glowing track record of successfully staging recent AFC competitions, which include the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023, the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2022 and the ongoing AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024.

Commenting on the milestone decision, Chairperson Ms. Keomany added: “In 2022, India were the first South Asian host in more than 40 years, and in 2018, Jordan was the first ever West Asian host in history.

“Now in 2029, we have the opportunity to further realise our ambitions to grow and expand the reach of the women’s game all across the Continent, which will ultimately enhance the value proposition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ in the decades to come."

Additionally, in light of the impending launch of the breakthrough AFC Women’s Champions League in the second half of this year, the Committee also approved the Entry Requirements and the Club Nomination Methodology for the 2024/25 season with the full details to be communicated to all AFC Member Associations in due course.

The Committee was also updated on all matters related to women’s football across the domains of Competitions, Referees, and Technical since the last meeting, including the decision to reschedule the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024, which will be held from May 6 to 19.

All decisions will need to be ratified by the AFC Executive Committee to take effect.