January 27 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that singer Audrey Nuna will headline the opening ceremony of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, as the confederation continues to lean into entertainment-led presentation around its flagship women’s tournament.
Nuna, who provided the singing voice for Mira in the popular series KPop Demon Hunters, will perform ahead of the opening match between Australia and the Philippines at Perth Stadium on March 1st.
The ceremony will apparently include a pre-match performance and a curated half-time show, both of which the AFC say are designed specifically for the event.
The decision reflects a broader commercial and audience strategy around the tournament, with the AFC targeting younger and more globally connected demographics through crossover pop culture appeal. Nuna’s performance will be staged inside the 60,000-capacity venue, with organisers also running a fan competition linked to the appearance.
“I’m thrilled to be performing at the Opening Ceremony of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. Being a part of this celebration of female grit and excellence, alongside fans of music, culture, and football, is a true honour, especially for my first time performing in Perth,” Nuna said.
“It’s going to be a very special and singular start to the tournament, an experience I’m excited to share with the people of Perth and beyond.”
The 2026 Women’s Asian Cup will run from March 1 to March 21, with matches hosted across Perth, the Gold Coast and Sydney. Twelve national teams will compete, as the tournament serves both as Asia’s premier women’s international competition and a key platform within the global women’s football calendar.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]