The Matildas have commenced their 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup campaign, hosted in Australia, securing initial group stage victories against the Philippines and Iran. The tournament, which began on March 1, also serves as a qualification event for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. Head coach Joe Montemurro's 26-player squad, led by captain Sam Kerr, features a combination of experienced players and those returning from injury.
Matildas Kick Off Asian Cup Campaign with Dominant Wins
The Matildas are aiming to win their first major international trophy since 2010, as they host the AFC Women's Asian Cup across venues in Perth, Sydney, and the Gold Coast. This tournament is a pivotal event, also serving as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
The tournament is a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, requiring participating teams to reach the semifinals to secure a spot.
Currently ranked third in Asia, the Matildas' performance in this competition marks the beginning of a new cycle that will also lead into the LA 2028 Olympics.
Squad Selection and Player Updates
The 26-player Matildas squad, announced prior to the tournament, is captained by Sam Kerr in her fifth Asian Cup appearance, with Steph Catley and Ellie Carpenter named as vice-captains.
Manchester City forward Mary Fowler made a notable return from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, having played 15 minutes for her club before missing subsequent Women's Super League matches due to a "knock."
Defender Charli Grant (Tottenham) and Cortnee Vine were omitted from selection. The goalkeeping situation saw initial sole uncapped player Jada Whyman ruled out due to injury, replaced by Morgan Aquino. Chloe Lincoln, with only three caps, started the opening match due to a shortage, following Teagan Micah's earlier withdrawal. Mackenzie Arnold was confirmed as a goalkeeper.
The squad also features two A-League Women players: Michelle Heyman of Canberra United, the league's all-time leading goal scorer, and Holly McNamara of Melbourne City, participating in her second Asian Cup after recovering from two ACL tears.
Coaching Philosophy and Preparations
Head coach Joe Montemurro, in his first national team role, has been implementing a proactive, ball-possession-focused style of play since his appointment nearly a year ago. This approach emphasizes player fluidity, creativity in attack, and aggressive high pressing without the ball, aiming to dictate matches.
Football Australia deputy chief executive Heather Garriock confirmed that resources have been provided to position the team for a major trophy. Montemurro also expressed his commitment to developing women's football in Australia, integrating national attributes such as resilience and athleticism into the team's identity.
Match 1: Australia 1 - 0 Philippines
The Matildas commenced their campaign on March 1 against the Philippines at Perth Stadium, drawing an attendance of 44,379. Australia faced a goalkeeping shortage, with Chloe Lincoln starting in goal.
The Philippines, coached by Australian Mark Torcaso, adopted a defensive strategy, holding Australia scoreless for 14 minutes. In the 15th minute, Australia broke the deadlock when Clare Wheeler crossed to Caitlin Foord, who assisted Sam Kerr for a header past Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.
Australia dominated possession with 88% throughout the match. Despite a disallowed goal for offside by Hayley Raso and a saved free-kick from Steph Catley, the Philippines' clearances and blocks kept the score at 1-0 until halftime.
In the second half, Mary Fowler made her return to international play in the 68th minute, with Alanna Kennedy and Amy Sayer also entering the match. Australia registered 15 shots, with 6 on target, to the Philippines' 1, securing a 1-0 victory.
Match 2: Australia 4 - 0 Iran
Australia played their second group stage match against Iran on March 5 at Gold Coast Stadium under rainy conditions. The Matildas established a commanding 3-0 lead by halftime. Goals were scored by Amy Sayer in the 8th minute, Mary Fowler in the 27th minute after a goalkeeper fumble, and Alanna Kennedy in the 44th minute.
Two potential goals from Caitlin Foord (18th minute) and Sam Kerr (44th minute) were disallowed following VAR reviews for marginal offside decisions. An injury delay and multiple VAR checks, including for a referee communication equipment issue and an injury to Iran's Behesht, led to seven minutes of added time in the first half.
Australia overwhelmingly dominated the game, recording 30 shots compared to Iran's 1. In the second half, Hayley Raso, Remy Siemsen, and Holly McNamara were introduced. Concerns were raised about Hayley Raso's availability for the upcoming fixture after she sustained two head impacts during the game. The match concluded with Australia securing a decisive 4-0 victory.
Group Standing and Upcoming Fixture
Following these two matches, Australia and South Korea are tied with six points each in Group A. South Korea currently holds a superior goal difference of +6, while Australia's stands at +5.
Australia will face South Korea on March 8 in Sydney for their final group stage game. A win for Australia is required to secure the top position in Group A.