The Women's Asian Cup 2026 is set to begin, drawing from the excitement left over from the recently concluded 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, which showcased the popularity and potential of women's football in Australia and New Zealand. This tournament offers nations like Australia, along with other participating countries, a chance to achieve historical milestones, seek greater respect, and attract investment in women's sports. Despite the optimistic outlook, the varied paths each nation took to reach this competition demonstrates the inconsistency in support and development for women's football across the continent.

As the tournament approaches, it's essential to recognize that while teams may start the competition on equal ground, their journeys to qualification have been starkly different. A significant portion of women players in Asia, as noted by the global player union FIFPro, still struggle with amateur status and lack a professional framework, with many earning less than $14,000 annually from football. This financial disparity and lack of resources highlight the struggles that many of these athletes face, which contrasts sharply with the professional setups seen in more developed women's leagues, like those in Japan.

The Women's Asian Cup thus serves not only as a sporting event but also as a critical moment for advocacy and change in women's football across Asia. It opens discussions about investment in women’s sports and potential policy changes that could lead to equitable growth. As Australia takes on a leading role in this event, the focus will also be on how these tournaments can catalyze a respect for women's football in the region and inspire future generations of female athletes, urging stakeholders to invest in the future of the sport to ensure that all women have the same chance to thrive on the field.