Just two years ago the Matildas captivated Australia on their way to a semi-final at a home World Cup.

When the next major international football tournament arrives next year, First Nations artists Shauna Hill and Grace Amidy want to capture the world's attention with their expression of arts and culture.

The two Indigenous artists have collaborated to create artwork which will feature across the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup.

Ms Hill is a Gubbi Gubbi and Githabul artist from Queenland's Sunshine Coast.

She admits she's not the sportiest of people. It was when she was introduced to and taught about art that something clicked.

"I was like, 'That's it. That's perfect. That's how I can pass on my Indigenous culture to the next generation,'" Ms Hill said.

Her collaboration with Ms Amidy presented that opportunity.

The teenager credited her mentor with teaching her a lot about culture in creating the work which shapes the Asian Cup's brand identity.

Ms Amidy has a unique breadth of touch points with next year's tournament. The up and coming artist and pathways footballer has both Wiradjuri and Indonesian heritage.

Last week she competed in the 2025 Emerging Matildas Championships with the Charles Perkins XI, the new name for Football Australia's First Nations youth program.

The design harnesses unity, strength and shared journeys with its theme, with patterns expressing a story of legacy, identity and moving cultures and teams grounded in purpose, the Women's Asian Cup said this week.

It also reflects the shared connection between Indigenous Australians and Asia, and how football acts as a binding force for different communities and generations.

"I think it's a really big opportunity - being able to see the art that I've done, being all over Australia…it brings happiness that I can spread my art and tell stories behind it as well, but as well as the combination of cultures as well from my side and from Shauna's side, and it just comes together really well," she said.

Her father Mitch said it's a big moment for the family.

"And having Shauna as a mentor has just opened Grace's eyes a little bit more to what it means to be an artist. So, to have this opportunity for her art to be seen on a global stage - it's beyond exciting," he said.

"A lot of people probably work their whole life and don't get these sort of opportunities. So, for someone so young to be given this chance, it really opens a platform for anything and it's really up to her where she wants to take it."

The full Asian Cup brand is set for reveal at next week's tournament final draw at Sydney Town Hall.

Football Australia general manager of First Nations football, Butchulla and Gubbi Gubbi woman Courtney Fewquandie, said it's "incredibly important" an event like the Asian Cup engages Indigenous artists to tell their story, shaped by sovereignty, and allowing the next generations to continue the storytelling.

"And do it in a way that is meaningful and is encouraging and inviting and continuing the story that we've been telling for thousands and thousands of years," she said.

Ms Hill shares that view as the senior artist involved.

"Working on the AFC women's Asian Cup I think really brings Indigenous culture into view of lots of different countries, and I think that's beautiful," she said.

"Storytelling and Indigenous art are really important. It's how we keep our culture alive through all the generations."

It was important that bringing Indonesian heritage to the design was best left to the younger of the pair, Ms Hill explained.

"This is your culture," Ms Hill said to Ms Amidy, "I need you to figure out how you think that it should be told in the story. Because clearly that's very important to you as is the Indigenous side as well".

Ms Hill is hopeful more young First Nations artists are inspired by their contribution.

Tournament local organising committee chief operating offer Sarah Walsh said the collaboration "brings our tournament brand to life in such a meaningful way - grounded in story, identity and connection".

Ms Walsh added the artist pair's work doesn't just reflect the spirit of the Women's Asian Cup, but "shows the power of football to amplify First Nations voices, celebrate cultural diversity, and inspire the next generation on and off the pitch".

The AFC Women's World Cup is scheduled for March 1-21 next week with matches taking place in Sydney, the Gold Coast and Perth.