The qualifiers for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup delivered high drama, with Iran winning a tense, winner-takes-all final match against Jordan to book their ticket to the tournament. The group stage was full of surprises, including a stunning upset by Lebanon and a very strong showing from Bhutan. Meanwhile, in Oceania, the Women’s Nations Cup crowned a new champion for the first time.
The key takeaway from the AFC qualifiers was Iran’s impressive performance, securing their second consecutive appearance at the Asian Cup finals. Their victory highlights the growing strength of women’s football in the country. The tournament also showed the different ways teams are building their squads, with some like Lebanon and Jordan relying on players based overseas, while others like Iran and Bhutan fielded home-based teams. In Oceania, the Solomon Islands’ historic win signals a potential shift in the region’s football landscape.
⚽ Thrilling AFC Qualifiers See Iran Advance
The journey to the Asian Cup was an exciting one for teams in Group A. The group, hosted in Jordan, was highly competitive from the start. Bhutan began with two impressive wins, while Lebanon, powered by a hat-trick from Christy Maalouf, pulled off a major upset by defeating Iran 3-1. This set the stage for a dramatic final day. The deciding match between Iran and Jordan saw Iran win 2-1, securing their place in the finals. Although both teams finished with nine points, Iran advanced because they won the head-to-head match. For Singapore, it was a challenging tournament, as they were unable to secure a point.
🏆 New Champion Crowned in Oceania
Over in the Pacific, the 2025 Oceania Women’s Nations Cup saw a historic result. The Solomon Islands upset the favourites, Papua New Guinea, with a 3-2 victory in extra time to win the title for the first time. The final was a thrilling match where the Solomon Islands showed great determination. Host nation Fiji finished in fourth place after a loss to Samoa in the third-place match. In the region’s club competition, New Zealand’s Auckland United won the OFC Women’s Champions League, earning a spot in the first-ever FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
✈️ Global Talent Powers National Teams
A noticeable trend during the qualifiers was the number of teams calling on players based in other countries. Lebanon’s squad included players from clubs in France, the United States, and Australia. Similarly, Jordan and Singapore also brought in talent from overseas leagues. This strategy of using overseas-based players helps bring valuable experience to the national teams. In contrast, nations like Bhutan and Iran relied mostly on home-based players, showing a different approach to developing their teams. Iran’s successful campaign demonstrates the strength of their domestic league and player development programs.
🤔 Greenland’s Football Future Remains Uncertain
In other global football news, Greenland’s attempt to join a major football confederation was turned down. The Greenlandic Football Association’s application to become a member of CONCACAF (the confederation for North, Central America, and the Caribbean) was rejected. This decision was a disappointment for Greenland, as it means their national teams still cannot compete in official FIFA-sanctioned tournaments. Joining a confederation would have provided their players, especially young talents, with regular competitive matches and a clear development path. For now, Greenland’s football journey remains in a state of waiting.
