Shock snub sparks fan fury as ‘home of the Matildas’ won’t host a game in home Asian Cup

NSW, Queensland and Western Australia have been proposed as the host states for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, with Victoria and South Australia the major casualties.

Australia is the sole bidder for the tournament, which is set generate $260m in economic output.

But the decision comes as a shock given the new home base of the Matildas, literally called the Home of the Matildas, is in Bundoora in Melbourne’s north.

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Hosting rights will be announced next month by the Asian Football Confederation’s executive committee.

“Hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup offers a golden opportunity to continue the dynamic growth and popularity of women’s football in Australia,” Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said.

Australia co-hosted last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup with New Zealand, with the Matildas reaching the semi-finals.

“Last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup laid a robust foundation, and we are eager to build upon this legacy to further enhance our football landscape both nationally and regionally,” Johnson said.

Expressions of interest for Asian Cup venues reportedly began before the start of the Women’s World Cup, with all states and territories having been invited to make submissions.

“We are also engaging with the governments of states and territories that were not selected to be put forward as proposals, to explore future opportunities and ensure that the benefits of football’s growth are shared nationwide,” Johnson said.