Naara's Story
More than a mascot, Naara is the living flame of the tournament – a powerful symbol of
courage, movement and belief. Elegant, spirited and fiercely independent, she embodies the
fearless ambition of women and girls across Asia and Australia.
Her arrival comes at a perfectly aligned moment in the lunar calendar, with 2026 being the
Year of the Horse, and March – when the tournament kicks off – sits within the early phase
of this cycle, ruled by the fire element.
Naara, a rare Fire Horse, draws strength and meaning from this powerful intersection of
energy, spirit and destiny.
Her form draws from the boldness of Asian tradition, the wild freedom of Australia’s vast
landscapes, and the timeless wisdom of Indigenous storytelling. Naara unites these worlds
with one mission: to ignite the dreams of a continent and inspire all to Dream Fearless.
Naara means “the one on fire” in the language of the Noongar people of Western Australia’s
southwest corner. In Noongar culture, fire is a force of renewal – it brings communities
together for song, dance and story, restores the land, and sparks new life. Naara’s name
reflects strength, resilience and energy: the very qualities that define the spirit of the AFC
Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.