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Josh Ball

Saudi Arabia is bidding to host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026.
The desert kingdom is already in the final running to hold the men’s tournament the following year, with the decision coming down to a straight choice between it and India.
Qatar was also bidding to host the 2027 tournament, but has been awarded the one for next year, after China withdrew because of its approach to Covid-19.
A Saudi delegation, led by Dona Rajab, the first assistant coach of the women’s national team, presented the bid to the Asian Football Confederation on Friday in Kuala Lumpur.
Ronaldo reportedly offered £300 million to sign for Saudi Arabia side Al Nassr
“The future of women’s football in Saudi Arabia is bright and we are committed to growing the game here and throughout Asia,” Yasser Al Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, said.
“More and more young girls are playing football in this country and we want to inspire them further. Hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 would be a great occasion for our players and would be made memorable by the passion of our fans.”
Also representing their country at the event were Raghad Helmi, a member of the Saudi Arabian national team and Al Shabab Club, and Marya Baghaffar, a 14-year-old youth player.
Women’s football has grown exponentially in the gulf state over the past few years, and the national team played their first game on home soil in September, drawing against Bhutan at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Stadium in Abha.
Al Misehal’s appointment in 2019 coincided with the creation of a department dedicated to “giving every woman and every girl in our kingdom the opportunity to play, follow and attend football”.
Monika Staab, the manager of the Saudi Arabian women’s national team, said hosting the tournament was an opportunity “to inspire a generation, and turbocharge the continued growth of women’s football”.


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Saudi Arabia bidding to host AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026, national coach says success could ‘inspire a generation’

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Sport

Football


Desert kingdom is already in the running to stage the men’s tournament in 2027
Women’s national team played their first game on home soil in September



Desert kingdom is already in the running to stage the men’s tournament in 2027, and national team coach Monika Staab says successful bid could ‘inspire a generation’.


Saudi Arabia bidding to host AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026, national coach says success could ‘inspire a generation’

Desert kingdom is already in the running to stage the men’s tournament in 2027 Women’s national team played their first game on home soil in September

Desert kingdom is already in the running to stage the men’s tournament in 2027

Women’s national team played their first game on home soil in September