Matildas’ Asian Cup Ultimate Guide: Who and where Australia are playing, how to get tickets
Australia’s path to Asian Cup glory has been revealed - with the schedule released for their next major tournament on home soil. See who Joe Montemurro’s side have been drawn to face inside.
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The Matildas’ path to their first Asian Women’s Cup victory since 2010 has been set and while they avoid clashing wtih competition front runners in the group stage the road to victory won’t be without challenges.
As hosts and the third highest ranked Asian team qualified for the 2026 Asian Women’s Cup the Matildas couldn’t be matched up with top nations Japan or Korea DPR in the group stage.
The draw, held in Sydney on Tuesday night, saw Australia drawn into a pool with Korea Republic, Iran and Philippines.
Matildas have to finish as the top two team in its group to guarrantee progression to the knockout stages. The two best placed third teams will also progress.
It shouldn’t be an issue but as seen at recent tournaments - unknown teams - Iran and Philippines can prove difficult for the Matildas to handle.
It was South Korea who put an early end to the Matildas 2022 Asian Cup campaign knocking them out with a shock 1-0 win.
Several of the Philippines players have starrred in the A-League’s Women’s in recent seasons and they have most recently been coached by former Matilads coach Alen Stajcic before former Western United Women’s coach Mark Torcasso took over.
Matildas are desperate to lift the trophy, a feat not achieved in 15 years, especially after coming so close at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and falling dissappointingly short at the 2024 Olympics.
New coach Joe Montemurro has just two international windows left to prepare the Matildas for the tournament - which will be hosted by Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney from March 1
The draw was an elaborate event, attended by government officials, AFC representatives, Football Australia interim CEO Heather Garriock, Matildas coach Joe Montemurro and Tom Sermanni – the last coach to guide Australia to victory 15 years ago. There was a cultural dance, unveiling of the competition slogon “dream fearless” and virtual tour of the three host cities - Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney.
COO of the AFC Women's Asian Cup local organising committee Sarah Walsh said “dream fearless” was more than just a slogon.
“It’s a mindset that runs through every part of this tournament,” Walsh said.
“It reflects the courage of players chasing greatness on and off the pitch, the ambition of nations rising together, and the power of football to break barriers.
“This bold new brand captures that energy and sets the stage for a truly inclusive celebration — one that unites communities across Australia, Asia, and beyond through the shared language of the beautiful game, while proudly representing the stories and cultures of First Nations peoples.”
EVERY MATILDAS GAME
Game 1: v Philippines on March 1 at Optus Stadium, Perth.
Game 2: v Iran on March 5 at Cbus Stadium, Gold Coast.
Game 3: v South Korea on March 8 at Accor Stadium, Sydney.
HOW THE GROUPS LINE UP
HOW DID TEAMS QUALIFY?
As the host nation the Matildas automatically qualified for the 2026 tournament. China, South Korea and Japan all gained entry as they claimed the top three spots at the 2022 Asian Women’s Cup. Vietnam, Taiwan, India and Philippines are back after topping their groups in qualifying. Iran will make a repeat appearance after debuting in 2022. Uzbekistan made the cut for the first time in 23 years and North Korea will make its first appearance since 2010. Bangladesh ranked 128th in the world is the only tournament debutant.
HOW THE COMPETITION WORKS?
All 12 teams will be divided into three group of four. Each team will play every team in the group once with the top two teams in each group and two best placed third teams progressing to the knock out stages. The final will be held on March 22.
WHO WILL BE IN THE MATILDAS SQUAD?
New Matildas coach Joe Montemurro will be able to name 23 players for the tournament – a bigger squad than the 18 allowed for the Olympics. It opens the door for fringe players including Charli Grant, Courtney Nevin, Sharn Freier and Tash Prior to really push for a spot in the squad. Sam Kerr is expected to make a return in time for the tournament and Mary Fowler is racing the clock to be fit post her ACL surgery.
MATILDAS ROAD TO THE ASIAN CUP
The Matildas have just two international windows left before the Asian Cup kicks off in March – the first in October and the second in December – they will then not regroup until the tournament. Montemurro is yet to lock in opponents for those windows. With very limited time to get the squad in shape for the tournament who the Matildas play in those windows will be crucial to their preparation.
WHERE WILL GAMES BE PLAYED?
Matches will be played across three host cities – Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast. Games in Perth will be shared between Optus Stadium and HBF Park. Gold Coast matches will be played at Cbus Stadium. Sydney will host matches at Accor Stadium and CommBank Stadium.
WHAT’S ON THE LINE?
The winners will be crowned Asian Champions – a feat the Matildas haven’t achieved since 2010. For the last time the tournament also serves as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup – the top four teams will earn automatic entry to the tournament. The four nations who lose the quarter-finals will then have to play off for the final spots in the World Cup. The top eight teams will gain entry to the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers.
PAST WINNERS
The Matildas last won the tournament in 2010 - it is their only major tournament win. There were high hopes for the Australian side at the 2022 tournament but they were knocked out by South Korea in the quarter finals. Australia took the runners-up title in 2006, 2018 and 2014. China are the most successful team at the Asian Cup with nine titles.
2022: China
2018: Japan
2014: Japan
2010: Australia
2008: North Korea
2006: China
HOW TO BUY TICKETS
Tickets are already on sale via Ticketmaster. Fans can purchase a pass to follow the Matildas through the opening three group stage games in Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney – tickets start at $130. There are also options to buy passes for each stadium, a group stage pass, play off pass and finals passes. Finals tickets start at $80.
Originally published as Matildas’ Asian Cup Ultimate Guide: Who and where Australia are playing, how to get tickets
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