Published Tuesday, 29 July, 2025 at 10:30 PM

JOINT STATEMENT

Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew Powell

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games
The Honourable Tim Mander

Goal! Six world-class women’s football matches to be played on the Gold Coast in 2026

  • The Gold Coast has secured Korean Republic, IR Iran, and Philippines for the Group Stage matches of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 including the Matildas’ second match against IR Iran.
  • Set to take place across the Gold Coast, Sydney and Perth with the top 12 nations from Asia competing in women’s football. 
  • Matches kick off from 1 March 2026 to 21 March 2026. 

The Crisafulli Government has delivered another major sporting event, with the Gold Coast set to welcome Korean Republic, IR Iran and Philippines during the Group Stage of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026. 

In the Official Draw in Sydney today, Queensland was confirmed as the host of the Matildas’ second match on 5 March 2026.  

Gold Coast Stadium in Robina will also host two back-to-back Play-Off matches on 19 March 2026, which will see the defeated Quarterfinalists facing off for a last-chance qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027. 

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 will see 12 world-class teams in action across three host cities – the Gold Coast, Sydney and Perth – from 1 March to 21 March 2026 as they battle for Asian Cup glory. 

The Gold Coast will host the following matches: 

  • Mon 2 March 2026: Korea Republic v IR Iran 

  • Thu 5 March 2026: Philippines v Korea Republic; IR Iran v Australia

  • Sun 8 March 2026: IR Iran v Philippines 

  • Thu 19 March 2026: FWWC 2027  

    • Play-Off Match 1 (Nations TBC post Quarter Finals) 

    • Play-Off Match 2 (Nations TBC post Quarter Finals) 

Building on the momentum of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 is expected to generate $12.5 million in visitor spend for Queensland. 

Gold Coast Stadium in Robina, known for its electric atmosphere and history of hosting world-class events, will set the stage for these competing nations to put on an incredible show during the Group Stage, and again for the Play-Offs. 

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government’s Destination 2045 tourism plan aimed to make Queensland the nation’s events capital with more events like the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026. 

“We are proud to be hosting so many matches for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 including our beloved Matildas on 5 March 2026,” Mr Powell said. 

“Events of this calibre are a great opportunity to showcase the beauty of our glittering Gold Coast – we want people to come for the matches and stay for everything else we have to offer. 

“A key part of Destination 2045 is building out a year-round events calendar, making Queensland the events capital of Australia. 

“We will continue attracting world-class events for locals and visitors as we make the most of the green and gold runway and we look forward to watching the action play out at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026.” 

Minister for Sport and Racing, Minister for the Olympics and Paralympics Tim Mander said it was no secret that Queensland was set to become the sporting capital of Australia. 

“Hosting major sports events can have extremely positive impacts on the community both economically and social,” said Minister Mander. 

“The Matildas’ World Cup performance inspired a 20 per cent increase in participation in football in 2024, and an uplift in participation in women’s sport.  

“The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 will continue that momentum and inspire more Queenslanders to get active and take part in organised sport.” 

Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci said he couldn’t wait to welcome the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 to our shores next year as the Gold Coast plays host to six unmissable matches between Asia's best teams.  

“Participation in women's football is continuing to grow at significant rates across Queensland as a result of Football Queensland's ongoing targeted and strategic investment, and we're confident that events like the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 will inspire even more women and girls to get involved in our beautiful game as we strive to reach 50/50 parity in participation by 2027,” Mr Cavallucci said. 

“Following the incredible success of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 in our backyard and with Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, the hosting of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 firmly positions Queensland as a go-to destination for major international sporting events, and highlights the crucial requirement for local football infrastructure to keep pace with the demands of global football content.” 

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said once again our city would shine on the world stage, hosting the Women’s Asian Cup right here on the Gold Coast.  

“It doesn’t get any bigger than this as Asia’s best women’s footballers descend on the Gold Coast,’’ Mr Tate said.  

Tickets went on sale on 18 July 2025. To learn more about the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026: www.womensasiancup2026.com.au 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Fiona Crawford 0417 700 363