AFC announces major reforms for Women's National team competitions

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has unveiled significant reforms aimed at enhancing women’s football across Asia.

Approved by the AFC Executive Committee on Thursday, these changes will be implemented from 2026.

The reforms, first proposed in August 2023 and detailed last month, focus on improving the qualification processes for major tournaments and expanding opportunities at the age-group levels.

Key Changes Include:

1. AFC Women’s Asian Cup™:

- Qualification Format: A two-round, centralised round-robin format will replace the current system. In the first round, lower-ranked teams will compete in eight groups, with the top 16 advancing to join the top eight ranked teams in the second round. The top team from each group, plus five best runners-up, will reach the finals.

2. FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers:

- New Format: Starting from 2031, qualifiers will be standalone, divided into three rounds. Initial rounds will feature lower-ranked teams in a centralised league format, progressing to more competitive stages.

3. Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers:

- Revised Process: Qualification will now occur in a single stage, with the top eight finishers of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ competing in two groups for Olympic spots.

4. AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™:

- Expanded Slots: The tournament will now feature 12 teams, with the top four qualifying for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The qualification process will be streamlined into a single round.

5. AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™:

- Annual Tournament: This cup will be held yearly from 2025, expanded to 12 teams, with four semifinalists qualifying for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The AFC also confirmed the hosting rights for upcoming futsal and beach soccer events: the Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ 2025 will be hosted by China, and the Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ 2025 will take place in Thailand.

These reforms are designed to increase competitive balance, improve player welfare, and offer more opportunities for teams across Asia.