The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is on the brink of another historic moment, with tonight’s blockbuster between the Matildas and IR Iran at Gold Coast Stadium on track to be a sellout.
The anticipated capacity crowd follows a record-breaking Opening Match at Perth Stadium, which delivered the largest match attendance in Women’s Asian Cup history and set a new benchmark for the competition.
Strong attendances across the opening round have reinforced the momentum building around the tournament in Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney.
Attendance is already the second highest in history, with 57,641 fans attending the first round of group stage matches. The record was previously set at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2010 in China, where 59,910 spectators attended across the entire tournament.
Crowd numbers have continued to grow, including the impressive turnout for China and Bangladesh at Western Sydney Stadium on Tuesday, where 6,006 fans attended, the largest crowd of the tournament so far for a non-Australian match. This reflects the depth of support for women’s football across the nation and strong community engagement.
These milestones reinforce that Australia is delivering one of the most high-profile editions of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup ever staged.
With more thrilling group stage matches, knockout football and the showpiece Final still to come, the tournament’s momentum is set to continue building.
Supporters are encouraged to secure remaining tickets for upcoming matches and be part of what is shaping up to be a landmark AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.
Quote attributable to Sarah Walsh, Chief Operating Officer, AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Local Organising Committee:
“To have a full house here on the Gold Coast would be an incredible statement and a credit to the fans who turned out in force. The energy and passion supporters are bringing to this tournament is what is making it truly special.
“The momentum across our host cities has been outstanding, and it’s building towards what we expect will be our first tournament sellout when Australia faces IR Iran on Thursday night. Talking about capacity crowds this early in the tournament shows the strength of women’s football and the opportunity to deliver the biggest and most successful Women’s Asian Cup in history.”
“These matches are more than just football – they bring communities together and create lifelong memories. We’re encouraging everyone to be part of history and secure tickets for the upcoming games here on the Gold Coast, as well in Perth and Sydney.”
Quotes attributable to Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Sport and Recreation, Government of Western Australia:
“Western Australia is incredibly proud to have smashed attendance records for a Women’s Asian Cup fixture at the opening match, kicking off what is expected to be the most successful tournament yet.
“This achievement highlights Western Australians’ strong support for women’s sport at all levels, supported by our Government’s long-term investment in developing talent pathways and community sporting facilities.
“The AFC Women’s Asian Cup tournament is putting a spotlight on elite women’s football and importantly inspiring the next generation of young players.”
Quotes attributable to Hon Reece Whitby MLA, Minister for Tourism, Government of Western Australia:
“Drawing a record crowd to the Opening Match at Perth Stadium and setting a new benchmark for a Women’s Asian Cup fixture is a tremendous result for Western Australia.
“This is the power of events - we know they draw visitors to Western Australia and deliver strong tourism and hospitality outcomes while showcasing our world-class venues on a global stage.
“The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 is a celebration of elite sport, and yet another example of our Government’s economic diversification strategy that reinforces Western Australia’s reputation as a must-see destination and supports local businesses and local jobs.”
Quote attributable to Steve Kamper, NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism:
“Sydney is the nation’s home of football with the game’s most passionate fans, and they’ve already shown that this week with the opening tournament matches at Western Sydney Stadium, contributing to a new attendance record for the Women’s Asian Cup.
“This Sunday, thousands of football fans from across the nation and Asia Pacific, will flock to Stadium Australia for a huge match between the Matildas and Korea, setting a new benchmark that will highlight Sydney’s reputation as one of the world’s great stages for major international sporting events.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell:
“Queensland is demonstrating why we set our sights on becoming the events capital of Australia, achieving this incredible milestone for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup after just four games.
“Australia’s women’s football team is strapping up their boots to play their first Queensland game today, welcoming football fans from across Australia and Asia to the Gold Coast.
“These visitors will soak up the city, from the world-famous beaches to the food scene, delivering lasting tourism and business benefits for the region, guided by Destination 2045.
“We’re excited to see how many more seats we can score to set a new attendance record for the tournament, as we continue unlocking Queensland’s events potential.”
Quote attributable to Tom Tate, Gold Coast Mayor:
“Record breaking attendance for this year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup shows the incredible momentum behind women’s sport, not just here on the Gold Coast but around the country.
“With the Matildas match expected to sell out, we’re ready for a huge night. Let’s pack the stadium, cheer loud and show the world how the Gold Coast gets behind great sport.”
Buy tickets: Lock in your tickets here.
Learn more: For tournament related information and updates head here.