Australian Immigration Daily News

The AusCheck (Major National Event – 2026 Asian Football Confederation Women’s Asian Cup) Declaration 2025 has been made under subsection 5A(1) of the AusCheck Act 2007. This declaration designates the 2026 Asian Football Confederation Women’s Asian Cup (WAC26) as a major national event.

The declaration enables the Department of Home Affairs to conduct and coordinate criminal, security, identity, and work rights background checks in connection with the accreditation of individuals working or volunteering at the tournament. Background checks will include electronic identity verification through the Document Verification Service.

Two supporting notifiable instruments have also been established. The first designates Football Australia as the organising body for WAC26. The second specifies the matters to be assessed in background checks, including criminal history, security assessments, citizenship or residency status, and identity verification.

The tournament will be held in March 2026 across Sydney, Perth, and the Gold Coast, involving 12 teams and five stadium venues. Security agencies, including ASIO, AFP, ACIC, and state police forces, were consulted and have supported the approach. Football Australia has also been consulted in its role as organising body.

The declaration ensures that the Commonwealth provides a consistent and secure framework for background checks in relation to WAC26, mitigating security risks and safeguarding the integrity of this international sporting event

 Source: AusCheck-Asian-Football-Confederation-Womens-Asian-Cup-2026-Declaration-2025.pdf and 

AusCheck-Asian-Football-Confederation-Womens-Asian-Cup-2026-Declaration-2025-explanatory-statement.pdf