Get ready for an exciting football tournament as the Women's Asian Cup 2026 kicks off in Australia! This prestigious continental event is set to capture the hearts of football enthusiasts across the country. But here's where it gets controversial: for Australia, the Asian Cup is second only to the World Cup in terms of prestige. That's right, this tournament is a big deal, and we're about to dive into all the details you need to know.
The Women's Asian Cup is a three-week-long celebration of football, starting on a Sunday evening with a bang! The hosts, Australia, will face off against the Philippines in Perth, and the action-packed schedule will keep fans on the edge of their seats. The knockout stage begins on Friday, 13 March, and the grand finale will take place on Saturday, 21 March, at 8 pm AEDT.
Now, let's talk venues. Unlike the 2023 Women's World Cup, which spanned nine cities, this Asian Cup will be hosted in just three vibrant cities: Perth, Sydney, and the Gold Coast. Stadium Australia, with its impressive capacity of nearly 80,000, will be reserved for the knockout stage and a crucial Matildas group game in Sydney. Other venues include Perth Stadium, Perth Rectangular Stadium, Gold Coast Stadium, and Western Sydney Stadium.
For those eager to attend, tickets are still available for all matches, including the Matildas' games. And if you prefer to cheer from the comfort of your home, The Guardian has you covered with live blogs for all Matildas matches and the semis and final. In Australia, you can catch the Matildas' action on Network 10 or 10Play, or stream all matches on Paramount+ with a subscription.
As for the teams, eight qualified through a rigorous process, joining hosts Australia and the top three teams from the 2022 Asian Cup, who earned automatic qualification. The 12 countries are divided into three groups, with Australia, Korea, Iran, and the Philippines in Group A. Group B features North Korea, China, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan, while Group C comprises Japan, Vietnam, India, and Taiwan. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams.
The Matildas squad, led by coach Joe Montemurro, consists of 26 talented players, including three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders, and nine forwards. Our player-by-player guide provides an in-depth look at this diverse and promising team. One notable inclusion is Mary Fowler, who has made a remarkable comeback after recovering from an ACL injury. The squad also features veteran World Cup heroes seeking their last shot at glory, alongside an exciting group of up-and-coming players.
Now, the question on everyone's mind: Is Sam Kerr playing? After her ACL rupture in 2024, Kerr's return has been eagerly anticipated. The Chelsea striker has been out of action for nearly two years but is now showing signs of her formidable self. During her time away, Kerr faced a lengthy legal battle in England, where she was found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment. Her return to the Matildas lineup in December has been a welcome sight, and she has since found the back of the net for Chelsea.
Australia's group stage matches are scheduled as follows:
- 1 March: Australia vs. the Philippines, 5 pm AWST (8 pm AEDT) at Perth Stadium
- 5 March: Iran vs. Australia, 7 pm AEST (8 pm AEDT) at Gold Coast Stadium
- 8 March: Australia vs. Korea, 8 pm AEDT at Stadium Australia
For the knockout stage, predictions suggest the following schedule:
- 14 March: Third quarter-final, 8 pm AEDT at Stadium Australia
- 18 March: Second semi-final, 8 pm AEDT at Stadium Australia
- 12 March: Final, 8 pm AEDT at Stadium Australia
But here's the part most people miss: the Matildas are carrying a grey cloud from the disastrous 2022 edition in India. They were shockingly eliminated in the quarter-finals by South Korea, leaving many questions unanswered. Tony Gustavsson managed to hold on to his job, but his tenure ended with a disappointing Olympic campaign three years later. South Korea went on to reach the 2022 final, where they fell to China by a score of 3-2.
So, can the Matildas win the Women's Asian Cup in 2026? The short answer is a resounding yes! But the longer answer reveals the challenges they face. Under interim coach Tom Sermani and now Montemurro, the Matildas have struggled to replicate the form that took them to fourth place in the 2023 World Cup. They are not the top-ranked team, with Japan holding that honor at world No. 8. In the past, they have found it challenging to break down the defenses of lower-ranked nations like Iran (No. 68).
While they are expected to top Group A, setting up an easier quarter-final, the semis will present a tougher challenge. The lack of recent tests against top teams, aside from England in October, makes predictions even more difficult.
So, football fans, what do you think? Can the Matildas bring home the Women's Asian Cup in 2026? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
