Asian Cup 2026 is approaching, and a team has unexpectedly gone on 'strike'

The South Korean women's team halted their practice sessions before the Asian Cup 2026 to express their dissatisfaction with the Korea Football Association (KFA) over inequities related to infrastructure and compensation.

With only half a month remaining before the 2026 Women's Asian Cup kicks off in Australia (starting March 1), the South Korean women's team has unexpectedly sparked controversy by deciding to suspend training. This move is seen as a direct protest against the Korea Football Association (KFA), addressing long-standing issues regarding their treatment and living conditions.

According to the players, they are forced to train in deteriorating facilities with substandard fields. Meanwhile, the KFA explains that harsh winter weather has damaged the turf, requiring the team to accept temporary conditions. However, the players argue this is not a short-term problem but the result of years of neglect.

The problems extend beyond training grounds to include issues with accommodation, hygiene, medical care, and nutrition. The women's team feels they have not received investment proportional to their status as one of Asia's top teams. The sense of being treated inferior to the men's team has intensified tensions, especially since the 2026 Asian Cup also serves as the 2027 Women's World Cup qualifiers — a tournament of critical importance.

One specific demand is to be allowed to use business class flights for international matches. For many years, the men's team has enjoyed this privilege, while the women's team has had to travel economy class on commercial flights. The players believe this disparity reflects a "gender bias" mentality in management.

Under pressure from the group of 26 players, including eight who play abroad such as Ji So-yun (Chelsea), Casey Phair (Angel City), and Park Soo-Jeong (AC Milan), the KFA has pledged changes. The association confirmed it will upgrade training facilities, enhance nutrition, medical care, living conditions, and arrange business class tickets for the trip to Australia.

With most demands accepted, the South Korean women's team is likely to return to regular training shortly. In the 2026 Asian Cup, they are placed in Group A alongside host Australia, the Philippines, and Iran. As the reigning Asian runners-up after their 2-3 loss to China in the 2022 final, the Korean team remains a strong contender — provided off-field issues are resolved promptly.