Women's Asian Cup Prize Money Remains Frozen Amid Global Boom
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that prize money for the upcoming 2026 Women's Asian Cup in Australia will not be increased from the levels set at the previous tournament in 2022. This decision comes despite a significant global surge in women's football and repeated pleas from players for greater financial recognition and respect.
Stagnation Despite Success
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Women's Asian Cup is the world's oldest women's national team competition. It introduced prize money for the first time in 2022, distributing US$1.8 million among the top four nations. However, the AFC has opted to maintain this same amount for the 2026 edition, which kicks off on March 1st in Australia.
An AFC spokesperson stated: "The AFC acknowledges the importance of increasing the prize money of the AFC Women's Asian Cup participating teams, while noting that the prize money for the upcoming edition in Australia remains consistent with previous editions." The confederation cited a focus on long-term development and tied prize funds to commercial revenues like broadcasting and sponsorships.
Global Comparisons Highlight Disparity
This decision renders the Women's Asian Cup the lowest-paying continental tournament in the world. To illustrate the growing gap:
- The 2025 Women's European Championships offered a prize pot of US$47.2 million.
- The 2024 Women's African Cup of Nations increased to US$3.475 million.
- The 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup allocated US$3.7 million.
- The 2025 Copa America Feminina awarded US$2 million.
In stark contrast, the AFC allocated US$14.8 million for the men's Asian Cup in 2023, with all 24 teams receiving a separate participation fee of US$200,000.
Player Dissatisfaction and Calls for Action
A survey by global players' union Fifpro after the 2022 edition revealed that 87% of players believed improvements to pay and prize money were necessary. Players from a majority of this year's competing teams recently signed an open letter to the AFC requesting consultation on prize money, but no such consultation took place.
Shoko Tsuji, secretary general of Fifpro Asia/Oceania, criticised the AFC's justification: "The AFC's statement talks about long-term development and 'future editions' ... but Australia is hosting this tournament now, and a world-class event can't ask players to wait for future improvements, particularly when other regions are investing at a significant pace."
Tsuji added that research indicates this year's tournament is set to be the biggest Women's Asian Cup ever from a commercial perspective, arguing it should be treated with the respect its stature deserves.
Contrast with New Club Competition
The prize money stagnation for the national team tournament sits awkwardly alongside the AFC's new Women's Asian Champions League club competition. Just two years into its existence, this club tournament had a total prize pot of US$1.5 million apportioned to the winner and runner-up, with additional payments for group stage participation and progression.
The 2026 Women's Asian Cup serves as part of qualification for both the 2027 Women's World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. Host nation Australia, the Matildas, will face the Philippines, Iran, and South Korea in the group stage.
