SYDNEY, Feb 27, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Sydney's Stadium Australia will host the final of the 2026 Women's Asian Cup, officials said Thursday, with the host nation kicking off the tournament in Perth on March 1.

Featuring Asia's top 12 teams, the three-week event will be played at five venues across the Gold Coast, Sydney and Perth.

The 83,500-capacity Stadium Australia will also host two quarter-finals and a semi-final. The other semi will be at Perth Stadium, which can hold 60,000.

"The release of the match schedule for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 marks an exciting milestone on our journey to hosting this prestigious tournament," said Football Australia chief James Johnson.

"This tournament is not only about the competition on the pitch -- it is about uniting communities, celebrating our diversity, and building a lasting legacy for the growth of the women's game in Australia."

Australia saw bumper crowds when it co-hosted the Women's World Cup with New Zealand in 2023.

So far, Australia, China, Japan and South Korea have qualified with the final line-up to be confirmed in July.

China will defend the title they won in 2022 when they beat South Korea in the final in India.