21 Nov 2025

100 Days to Go: Stars and Young Dreamers Ignite Asian Cup Countdown

Excitement is building as the countdown to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ heats up.  Today, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ marked 100 days to go with a powerful celebration of fearless football, featuring stars past, present and future – and the unveiling of 100 unique dreams from young footballers.

In Sydney CBD’s Martin Place, the day brought together inspiring figures who embody the tournament’s Dream Fearless spirit – a celebration of courage, connection and possibility. Among them was AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Chief Operating Officer and former Matilda Sarah Walsh who reflected on the significance of the moment as the tournament draws closer to kick-off on 1 March 2026 with the Matildas blockbuster match against the Philippines and the Opening Ceremony at Perth Stadium.

Current leading figures of the women’s game took centre stage, including Matildas coach Joe Montemurro and Philippines international Madison Ayson, who set the scene for the blockbuster tournament opener between both nations. They were joined by NSW Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, for the celebration, where fans and media were the first to see the AFC Women’s Asian Cup’s official tournament ball, WAVEMAKER, up close. Featuring Australia’s stunning coastline at the heart of its design, it marks the first time the tournament has featured its own bespoke match ball, a symbol of the competition’s growing profile and prestige.

This vibrant celebration featured a 2.4-metre-tall “100” installation, showcasing the dreams of 100 Fearless Dreamers – young footballers from grassroots clubs. From hundreds of entries, one standout dreamer - 8-year-old Matilda Linturn - was revealed live on stage as the competition winner, earning a dream experience with two tickets to the showpiece Final at Stadium Australia on 21 March.

Representing Asia’s rich football history, members of the First Matildas squad — Kim Coates, Sue Binns, Trixie Tagg, Vickie Dean, Gundega Zarins, Lynn Everett-Miller

and Trudy Fischer — also joined the celebration. These trailblazers played in the inaugural Women’s Asian Cup in 1975 and stand as living symbols of the tournament’s legacy as the oldest official international women’s football competition in the world.

Celebrations were also held in fellow host cities. In Perth, the Yagan Square digital tower in Perth CBD was lit up with a 100 Day countdown, while in the Gold Coast, Mayor Tom Tate was joined by local junior players at Burleigh Heads Beach where a giant “100 Days” was written in the sand to mark the occasion.

With ticket demand already surging and excitement set to soar as the countdown continues, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is on track to be the most high-profile and record-breaking edition in the tournament’s history – uniting fans across Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney from 1–21 March for the biggest celebration of women’s football in our region.

The tournament also doubles as the AFC’s official qualifying event for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™, adding even greater stakes as Asia’s best teams battle for glory – and a place on football’s biggest stage.

With tickets starting from just $20 for adults and $10 for children, fans are being urged to lock in their seats now to avoid disappointment.

Quotes attributable to Federal Sport Minister Anika Wells:

“From playground to podium, the Albanese Government is empowering women and girls to thrive at all levels of sport and the Women’s Asian Cup will inspire more Australians to be active.

“The Tillies are one of the most popular Australian teams, male or female, and will again capture the nation when they take on the best in our region in 100 days."

Quote attributable to Chief Operating Officer of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Local Organising Committee, Sarah Walsh:

“Reaching 100 days to go is a major milestone, and it’s clear the excitement is already building across all three host cities. The Matildas’ opening match in Perth will set the tone for a blockbuster tournament and we’re ready to deliver the biggest and boldest edition of the Women’s Asian Cup yet.

“With tickets already moving quickly across Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast, we’re urging fans to secure their seats early.”

Quote attributable to NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper:

“Sydney is the nation’s home of football, so it’s incredibly exciting that in just 100 days’ time we’ll again take centre stage for three weeks of international football for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. This tournament will not only fill our stadiums, but it will also fill our hotels, restaurants, bars and theatres, providing a fantastic boost to the NSW visitor economy. With our world-class stadiums, passionate fans, vibrant nightlife, natural wonders and vast cultural offerings, we can’t wait to welcome fans from across Asia to see why Sydney is renowned as one of the world’s great stages for international sport.”

Quote attributable to the Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell MP: 

 “With just 100 days to go, you can feel the excitement right across the state as we get ready to welcome Asia’s best footballers to our shores for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

 “This will be a record-breaking celebration of women’s sport, and a moment for Australia to shine on the global stage.

 “The Crisafulli Government has a bold ambition to make Queensland the event capital of Australia - with six exciting matches on the Gold Coast, the Cup gives us an incredible opportunity to share our world-class destinations with fans from around the world.”

Quote attributable to Western Australian Acting Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Dr Tony Buti MLA:

“What an exciting milestone we’ve reached, with only 100 days to go until the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia. Perth has the huge honour of hosting the highly anticipated opening match between the Matildas and Philippines for this event, and we look forward to seeing all the action unfold in March.

“Major events like this are a key priority for the WA Government, as part of our economic diversification strategy to drive visitation to the state, injecting valuable tourism dollars into the economy, and supporting local jobs and businesses.

“We cannot wait to welcome the AFC Women’s Asian Cup to Western Australia, and all the excitement it will bring. Make sure to get your tickets before they sell out!”

Quote attributable to the Mayor of the Gold Coast, Tom Tate: 

“The international spotlight will be on the Gold Coast next March as we celebrate our city’s arrival on the AFC Women’s Asian Cup stage.

“Hosting six world-class football matches as part of the 2026 Asian Cup cements our reputation as a place where international sport can flourish. I encourage fans to pack out Gold Coast Stadium for all six games and get behind the mighty Matildas in this important tournament.’’

Buy tickets: Lock in your tickets here.   
Learn more: For tournament related information and updates head here.      

Tournament Media Accreditation 

Accreditation is now open for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, If you wish to cover the event in any of the three host cities, you must apply for your accreditation via the AFC Media Channel. CLICK HERE to start applying.

Please note: You will first need to register for the AFC Media Channel. Once your registration is approved you will then need to apply for accreditation for the tournament through the AFC Media Channel.

Media accreditation applications close on Sunday, 21st December 2025, for foreign Media, and Wednesday, 31st December 2025, for local Media. 

--ENDS--

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Media Contact

Angela Habashy | General Manager – Media & Communications

AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ LOC Office

E:  Angela.Habashy@womensasiancup2026.com.au | T: +61 (0) 424 747 049