March 6 – With second round matches of the group stage in the Women’s Asian Cup still to complete, the Australia 2026 edition has already smashed attendance records with 82,371 fans having passed through the gates.
That figure beats the previous overall tournament record of 59,910 set at the Women’s Asian Cup 2010 in China. The 2026 edition still has eight group games and seven knock out rounds to go.
The attendance record was broken with Australia’s 4-0 win over Iran at the near sold-out Gold Coast Stadium.
Australia now top Group A with South Korea, though they trail them by one on goal difference. The two nations meet on Sunday at Stadium Australia in Sydney where another record crowd is expected.
In Group B, North Korea lead with wins over Uzbekistan and Bangladesh. China are three points behind with a win over Bangladesh and face Uzbekstan today. The final game in Group B will see the Chinese and North Koreans face off.
In Group C Japan and Vietnam both won their opening games against India and Chinese Taipei. They play their second round of group games on Saturday before meeting in the final round of group games next Tuesday.
Currently all eyes are focussed on the Australia-South Korea blockbuster in Sydney at the 83,500 capacity Stadium Australia.
Such is the tournament emphasis on inclusivity and unity that both anthems on Sunday will be sung by Australian-Korean star Dami Im who was born in South Korea and raised in Australia. Having sung the pre-match anthems, Im will also return for a half-time performance.
“I often say I’m born in Korea, made in Australia,” said Im. “Music has always been a way to bring people together, and it’s such an honour to celebrate both cultures on a night that also recognises the power of women in sport on International Women’s Day.”
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