Australia on course to deliver record-breaking AFC Women’s Asian Cup

 

Australia is on track to deliver the biggest AFC Women’s Asian Cup in history, with more than 110,000 tickets sold – even before single-match sales opened to the general public.

The Matildas’ appeal is driving much of the demand. All three of their group-stage fixtures are reportedly close to selling out, while tickets for the knockouts are moving sharpish too, including those for the final at Stadium Australia in Sydney – the largest venue for the competition with a 79,500 capacity – on March 21.

Tournament organisers have stressed that affordability is central to their ticketing strategy, having freed up seat availability to suit a ‘wide range’ of budgets.

The 110,000 figure puts the competition on course to smash previous attendance benchmarks and underline how far women’s football has come in Asia under the AFC.

For the hosts, the sales represent a continuation of the momentum built during the 2023 World Cup, when the Matildas reached a new level of national significance.

Off the pitch, the AFC has said that organisers are also working to ensure the tournament leaves a cultural mark. A mural has been unveiled in Perth, which will host the opening match, featuring players from each of the 12 participating nations, with local girl Sam Kerr front and centre. The mural will remain in place until March 2026.

Western Australia (WA) Minister for Sport and Recreation, Rita Saffioti, said: “WA continues to shine as a premier host for major football events, so I encourage people to get their tickets quickly because we’re expecting a strong turnout from the community.

“Football has grown in popularity exponentially in Western Australia in recent years, and hosting this tournament is sure to keep that momentum going and boost participation in the sport.”

WA Minister for Tourism, Reece Whitby, added: “Now is the time for football fans across our State and the country to snap up tickets for what’s set to be an exciting three weeks as WA hosts the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

“Major events like the AFC Women’s Asian Cup are a key focus of our economic diversification strategy in driving visitation to the State, generating valuable tourism dollars and activating our city for the rest of the world to see.”

Chief Operating Officer of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 Local Organising Committee, Sarah Walsh, finished: “We are absolutely blown away by the support we’ve already seen from right across the country and around the world. To have more than 110,000 tickets sold before this general public release is a powerful statement about how much Australia loves its women’s football.

“I want to thank the Australian public and football fans everywhere for getting behind the AFC Women’s Asian Cup so strongly. Your passion is what will make this the biggest and boldest edition in history.

“With more tickets released today, I encourage everyone to get in early and secure their seats.”