2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup

Six pages on the 21st Women’s Asian Cup, the first staged in Australia since 2006. Australia, under Joe Montemurro, finished second in Group A on goal difference after a 3-3 draw with Korea Republic featuring Alanna Kennedy’s 98th-minute equaliser; the London City midfielder scored four in the group and was later named the tournament’s best player. Iran’s players declined to sing their anthem before the opening game and were branded war traitors by state media, with several later granted humanitarian visas. Japan swept Group C with 17 goals and none conceded. In the knockouts Australia edged China PR 2-1 through Sam Kerr, while Japan beat Korea Republic 4-1, Riko Ueki opening the scoring.