Sydney marked one week to go until the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ on 21 February 2026, with Western Sydney illuminated as a giant floating football was officially lit on the Parramatta River.
NSW Minister for Women the Hon. Jodie Harrison MP, Chief Operating Officer AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Local Organising Committee, Sarah Walsh, Lord Mayor Cr of the City of Parramatta, Martin Zaiter, Member for Parramatta Donna Davis MP and tournament mascot Naara attended the milestone moment, signalling the start of the final countdown before the tournament kicks off on 1 March.
They were joined by the entire Uzbekistan Women’s National Team, making a surprise appearance and delighting fans by bringing an early taste of tournament excitement to Western Sydney.
The 4x4 metre inflatable football will remain on the river from 21 February to 11 March, visible to thousands of commuters and visitors each day and aligning with Western Sydney Stadium’s match-hosting period.
Each evening from 6pm to 10pm, the installation will come alive with a dynamic light and sound activation, featuring an immersive soundscape of football crowds layered with an energetic backbeat and celebratory embellishments — a powerful visual marker that the tournament has arrived in Western Sydney and a reflection of the region’s central role in hosting Asia’s premier women’s football event.
The city-wide countdown continued on Sunday 22 February, when Sydney’s skyline will take centre stage with one-night-only drone display over Darling Harbour lighting up Cockle Bay Wharf with two 500-drone shows.
The free shows will take place at 8:15pm and 9:15pm with the public encouraged to come and enjoy the shows, which also coincide with Lunar New Year celebrations.
The free public displays will tell the story of the 12 competing teams through aerial graphics inspired by the players, cultures and energy of the tournament, inviting families, fans and visitors to be part of the celebrations during the final week before kick-off.
Together, the Parramatta River installation and Darling Harbour drone shows reflect the scale and ambition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ light up Sydney from its heartlands to its harbour — uniting football, culture and community as the city prepares to welcome Asia.
Chief Operating Officer of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Local Organising Committee Sarah Walsh said: “Tonight is our signal that the tournament has arrived.
“Marking one week to go here in Parramatta recognises the key role Western Sydney will play, with six matches at Western Sydney Stadium and five at Stadium Australia bringing Asia’s best teams into communities that are home to some of the most passionate football fans, before the celebration extends across the city with spectacular drone shows at Darling Harbour.
Over the next week the excitement will only build as we get ready to welcome Asia and kick off something truly special together.”
NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:
“Sydney is the nation’s home of football and Western Sydney in particular has some of the game’s most passionate supporters, so we’re thrilled to be welcoming fans from across Australia and the Asia Pacific for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and shining a global spotlight on Western Sydney as a major events destination.
“International sporting events like this not only play an important role in encouraging grassroots participation, they are also key to our strategy for driving visitation to NSW and supporting the thousands of businesses and jobs that rely on the state’s visitor economy.”
NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said: “Having world-class female athletes competing right in our backyard is incredibly powerful.
“You can’t be it if you can’t see it and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup will show women and girls across our state what is possible, strengthening the connection between women in sport and local communities.
“Major women’s sporting events don’t just inspire – they draw visitors, boost local pride and also showcase the elite talent who are competing at the highest level in world-leading venues like Stadium Australia and Western Sydney Stadium.”
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said: “This is the perfect symbol of bringing people from all corners of the Asian continent together to celebrate through sport.
“The inflatable soccer ball transforms Parramatta River into a major icon for the Women’s Asia Cup - one of the biggest international sporting events to be held in Australia this year.
“Parramatta truly is the home of festivals, sports and entertainment, and we are taking the spirit of the Women’s Asia Cup to the streets with a string of activations so everyone can celebrate and get involved.”
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said: “I am incredibly proud that Parramatta will play a key role in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup with the Western Sydney Stadium hosting six matches for this major international sporting event. It’s a strong reflection of Western Sydney’s growing reputation as a dynamic hub for world-class visitor experiences.”
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