Matildas and Japan criticize pay inequality in Women's Asian Cup prize money
Consensus Summary
The Matildas and Japan’s women’s football teams have united to criticize the stark pay inequality in the Women’s Asian Cup, calling the $2.62 million prize pool the lowest in the world for a continental tournament. The 2026 edition, held in Australia, drew record crowds of 355,528 fans and saw Japan defeat Australia 1-0 in the final, yet the prize money remained a fraction of the $21.54 million awarded in the 2023 Men’s Asian Cup. Players from both teams released a joint statement on April 2, 2026, demanding equal prize money and a guaranteed share for all participants, arguing that current disparities hinder long-term growth in women’s football across Asia. While FIFA has pledged equal prize money for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, the teams emphasized the need for immediate action to address ongoing inequality in continental competitions.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- The 2026 Women's Asian Cup had a prize pool of $2.62 million (US$1.8 million), the lowest-paying continental tournament in the world.
- The 2023 Men's Asian Cup had a prize pool of $21.54 million (US$14.8 million), compared to $2.62 million for the 2026 Women's Asian Cup.
- Japan defeated Australia 1-0 in the Women's Asian Cup final on March 21, 2026, at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
- The 2026 Women's Asian Cup attracted a record 355,528 fans across Perth, Gold Coast, and Sydney.
- The Matildas and Japan released a joint statement on April 2, 2026, criticizing the prize money inequality and calling for equal pay.
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino has pledged equal prize money for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The final attendance was 74,397 fans at Stadium Australia, with a photo credit to AAP: Dean Lewins.
- The 2022 Women's Asian Cup also had a prize pool of $2.62 million.
- The men's Asian Cup in 2023 included a participation fee of US$200,000 ($291,000) per nation.
- Players remained silent during the tournament to focus on on-field success but later released a statement.
- The headline explicitly states the 2026 Women's Asian Cup was a 'resounding success' despite low prize money.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The publication date for Article 1 (SBS) is unknown, while Article 2 (ABC) is dated April 2, 2026.
Source Articles
Not fair: Matildas and Japan join forces to call out Asian Cup pay inequality
Despite the resounding success of the 2026 Women's Asian Cup, the prize money was a pittance compared to the men's tournament....
Matildas players join Japan criticising 'inequality' in prize money
Fierce rivals on the field, the Matildas and Japan have joined forces to slam the Asian Football Confederation's prize money for the Women's Asian Cup....