Many were surprised to see goalkeeper Mile Akter in Bangladesh’s starting XI for their AFC Women’s Asian Cup opener against nine-time champions China on Tuesday, as experienced Rupna Chakma was left on the bench.

The tragedy of Bangladesh women’s football is that it evolves despite the system, not because of it.

Beyond results, Butler hopes the tournament becomes a platform for his players.

Ranked 112th in the world against China’s 17th, the gulf on paper was stark, yet it was not entirely reflected on the pitch.

Bangladesh had nearly stunned the favourites in the 14th minute when Ritu Porna Chakma’s trademark long-range strike was pushed away by the outstretched Chen Chen.

Making their debut at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, the women in red and green face defending champions China at the 30,000-capacity Western Sydney Stadium in Australia.

The Koreans, runners-up to China in the 2022 edition, totally dominated a brave but outclassed Iran, who showed no signs of being affected by the war raging at home, while some supporters waved shah-era flags.

On Tuesday in Sydney, Bangladesh open their campaign against nine-time champions China, marking their first appearance at the continental showpiece and the country’s first participation in Asia’s premier competition since 1980.

Alyssa Healy delivered a farewell for the ages, producing a breathtaking 158 off 98 balls in her final ODI as Australia piled on 409 for 7 and thrashed India by 185 runs in the third ODI of the three-match series Hobart on Sunday.

Bangladesh women’s football team are placing strong emphasis on tactical discipline in a bid to minimise mistakes and avoid heavy defeats in the group stage of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which got underway on Sunday with hosts Australia defeating the Philippines 1-0.

After the 44,379-strong crowd -- a record for the Women's Asian Cup -- was warmed up by American singer Audrey Nuna of "KPop Demon Hunters" fame, big cheers greeted the players when they emerged onto the pitch.

Football chiefs offered "full support and assistance" to the Iranian team in Australia Sunday for the Women's Asian Cup after the United States and Israel launched massive attacks on their homeland.

Bangladesh will make their historic debut in the competition on March 3 against China.

Sobhana Mostary's stunning performance in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier has earned her the ICC Women's Player of the Month for January 2026.

Young winger Sauravi Akanda Prity said Bangladesh are using their remaining training sessions to correct mistakes and settle into unfamiliar surroundings as the team finalises preparations for their historic debut in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.

Here is a brief look at the important dates of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 and the roll of honour.

Here are the team profiles of the 12 teams

Despite limitations in training and facilities, captain Afeida Khandoker has vowed that the team will give their best against Asia’s leading sides. She spoke to The Daily Star’s Anisur Rahman about expectations, preparation and future ambitions.

What started with a modest South Asian Games fixture against Nepal in 2010 has grown into one of the proudest journeys in Bangladesh sport, with the Bangladesh Women's football team now preparing for their maiden appearance at the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia – a historic milestone for the country’s women’s football programme.

The 12-team competition gets underway on Sunday in the Western Australian city Perth when Sam Kerr's Matildas face the Philippines in a tournament organisers hope will create a similar buzz to the 2023 Women's World Cup.