Visa Joins Forces with AFC as Official Global Supporter for Women’s Asian Cup 2026
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Visa have unveiled a groundbreaking expansion of their strategic partnership, making Visa the official global supporter of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026.
This historic collaboration marks Visa’s inaugural direct partnership with Asia’s leading women’s national team competition, highlighting a shared commitment to elevating the growth and global visibility of women’s football.
This partnership is a crucial milestone in the AFC’s visionary plans for women’s football, utilizing Visa’s esteemed expertise in fan engagement and secure payment technology. Visa’s involvement reinforces its longstanding dedication to women’s football, being the first-ever UEFA sponsor focused on women’s sports and the first global FIFA women’s football partner.
AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our partnership with Visa, welcoming them as the Official Global Supporter of the continent’s top women’s national team competition.”
“The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ aims to be the most remarkable edition in the tournament’s history, and we eagerly anticipate collaborating with Visa to fulfill our shared vision for the growth and empowerment of women’s football across Asia.”
Alan Machet, Group Country Manager for Visa Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, added, “Over 11 million Australians watched the Matildas face England in 2023, making it the most-watched TV program in over 20 years. We are confident that this enthusiasm will continue as we enhance our commitment as the Official Global Supporter for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™.”
Patrick Murphy, CEO of AFG, remarked, “Visa has been an outstanding partner, and with this new agreement for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, we are elevating our collaboration and cannot wait to see this new venture unfold.”
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 is set to take place from March 1 to March 21, 2026, across five stadiums in three dynamic Australian cities: Sydney (Stadium Australia, Western Sydney Stadium), Perth (Perth Stadium, Perth Rectangular Stadium), and Gold Coast (Gold Coast Stadium). The tournament will showcase 12 of Asia’s elite national teams competing in 27 thrilling matches.
In addition to vying for continental glory, the tournament carries significant qualification opportunities: the semi-finalists will secure direct spots in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, while quarter-finalists will advance to the qualifying rounds for the Women’s Olympic Games Football Tournament 2028 in Los Angeles.
The Final Draw for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 is scheduled for July 29, 2025, at the iconic Sydney Town Hall, where the roadmap to continental success will be revealed.
This expanded partnership epitomizes a unified vision for the advancement of women’s football, promising an unforgettable tournament experience for players and fans alike.
