The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) recommended on Friday, after a meeting in Tashkent, that Australia and Uzbekistan be granted the hosting rights for the Women’s Asian Cup football tournaments in 2026 and 2029, respectively.
This decision marks a significant milestone in the expansion and promotion of women’s football across the continent.
The Uzbekistan Football Federation, which has previously hosted youth tournaments at the continental level, was the sole advanced bidder for the 2029 edition of the women’s tournament.
This positions Uzbekistan on the verge of becoming the first Central Asian country to host the event, signaling a historic moment for the region’s sports landscape.
Kanya Keomany, the head of the AFC Women’s Football Committee, expressed her enthusiasm in a statement: “In 2029, we will have the opportunity to fulfill our ambitions of developing and spreading women’s football across the entire continent.”
She highlighted the transformative impact of the Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia last year, describing it as a groundbreaking edition that set new benchmarks for the sport.
The AFC’s Executive Committee must ratify these recommendations for them to take effect. If confirmed, this will be the second time Australia hosts the tournament, following the 2006 edition in Adelaide.
These hosting decisions underscore the AFC’s commitment to advancing women’s football, promising to bring about a new era of growth and visibility for the sport in Asia.
As preparations get underway, fans and players alike look forward to experiencing the spectacle and camaraderie of the Women’s Asian Cup in both Australia and Uzbekistan, heralding a bright future for women’s football in the region.
