It was great to see the AFC Women's Asian Cup trophy up close during its visit to Macarthur Football's Lynwood Park on 16 February. It was an exciting moment for our local community. My thanks to Abdul Khan and the team at Cultural Pulse for making it possible. Now, with the tournament concluded, we've witnessed history. More than 355,000 fans attended matches across Australia, making this the most successful Women's Asian Cup ever. A sold-out final of over 74,000 saw Japan crowned champions, capping off a competition filled with record-breaking crowds and unforgettable moments. From International Women's Day at Stadium Australia to packed stadiums across three cities, this tournament showcased the incredible growth of women's football. It also secured World Cup qualification for six nations, including our fantastic Matildas. Beyond the pitch, the tournament brought people together celebrating diversity, culture and community, and inspiring the next generation to get involved. It's a strong step forward for women's sport and a legacy that will no doubt continue to grow.
AFC Women's Cup
26 March 2026

