Australia – CommBank has been named the Official Regional Partner of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, extending the bank’s longstanding backing of football as the tournament returns to Australia for the first time in two decades.
The 21st edition of the competition will feature 12 national teams from across Asia and will be staged in Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney from 1–21 March 2026. The tournament will also serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
CommBank said the partnership aligns with its broader commitment to football development in Australia, following its expanded six-year agreement with Football Australia announced earlier this year. The bank framed the sponsorship as a reflection of the diversity within the Australian football community and the growing popularity of the women’s game.
Organisers expect the 2026 event to be the most attended AFC Women’s Asian Cup in history. With 3.4 million Australians connected to participating AFC nations, the tournament is projected to reach more than eight million viewers domestically and draw large crowds from both Australia and abroad.
CommBank will support several initiatives around the competition, including the Doubt Never Did Ball, which will visit community clubs nationwide to collect messages from young players and fans for the CommBank Matildas. The ball will be presented to the team before their opening match against the Philippines in Perth on 1 March 2026. The partnership will also provide more than 500 young fans with the opportunity to walk onto the pitch as CommBank Mini Mates during the tournament.
Monique Macleod, group executive marketing and corporate affairs at CommBank, said, “We’re proud to support the AFC Women’s Asian Cup as it comes to Australia next year. It’s a celebration of the world’s game and a reflection of our nation’s diversity and spirit. Football is a unifying force and a game for all that brings people together and inspires belief. The CommBank Matildas are a powerful example of that. As the tournament returns home, we’re excited to carry that legacy forward and help build a brighter future that reflects the spirit and strength of our communities.”
Meanwhile, Patrick Murphy, CEO of the AFC, commented, “The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 will be the most attended in history of the tournament, celebrating Australia’s diversity and the unifying power of football. Through partnerships like this one with CommBank, we’re inspiring millions and connecting communities across the region.”
CommBank Ambassador and CommBank Matilda, Sam Kerr, said: “Playing on home soil is always special. We feel the belief and support of Australians everywhere we go, but there’s nothing like having it in the stands with you. It’s great to have CommBank alongside us again as we bring another major tournament to Australia and keep inspiring the next generation of players.”
The AFC and CommBank said the partnership aims to help unite fans across Australia and the region ahead of the 2026 competition.
