The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency Sam Mostyn, today hosted a Women in Sport & Business Leadership Celebration at Sydney's Admiralty House marking one month to go until the kick-off of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ and recognising the tournament as a defining moment for women’s sport in Australia and across Asia.
The high-level gathering convened senior government leaders and C-suite women from across sport and business, uniting influential voices in a moment of shared leadership to celebrate the women shaping the future of sport and acknowledge the collective responsibility to continue driving progress, on and off the field.
Joining the Governor-General were Sarah Walsh, Chief Operating Officer of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Local Organising Committee, Heather Garriock, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Football Australia, alongside an impressive cohort of senior women leaders from across the sporting, corporate and public sectors.
The celebration also featured the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Trophy, appearing on the second leg of its Trophy Road Trip, arriving from Scarborough Beach in Western Australia, where the tour was launched.
The trophy served as a powerful symbol of excellence, aspiration and achievement, reinforcing the tournament’s position as the pinnacle of women’s football in Asia.
The trophy will travel to iconic locations across the country, heading north to Queensland, then back to NSW before returning to Western Australia ahead of the Opening Ceremony on 1 March at Perth Stadium.
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ will bring together Asia’s 12 best teams, with matches hosted in Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast from 1-21 March.
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Sam Mostyn said: “The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 is more than a sporting event - it is a celebration of excellence, leadership and opportunity.
"The strong cross-code and business support here today is a testament to the importance of football and the role it plays in bringing people together.
"This tournament showcases the extraordinary talent of women from across Asia and reinforces how sport and football can advance equality, strengthen regional connections and inspire future generations.”
Football Australia Interim Chief Executive Officer Heather Garriock said: “The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 is a platform for progress - on the field, in boardrooms and throughout our communities.
"With just weeks to go until the tournament begins, we hope Australians will get behind it in force - by attending matches, engaging with the teams and celebrating the incredible women who will take the field. This tournament demonstrates what’s possible when women are supported to lead, compete and succeed.”
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Local Organising Committee Chief Operating Officer Sarah Walsh said: “With just one month to go until kick-off, the excitement is building. To be here at Admiralty House is a powerful recognition of how significant the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 is - not just for football, but for women’s leadership and opportunity more broadly.
"This tournament will shine a global spotlight on women’s football, create lasting opportunities for players and leaders and leave a powerful legacy for the game at every level.”
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is proudly supported by Destination NSW.
