Gold Coast to welcome Matildas for Asian cup

Tillies fans can look forward to seeing their national team playing on home soil with Gold Coast swooping in to secure playing rights for the much anticipated 2026 Asian cup tournament.

Hon. Tim Mander MP, Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister at the launch of the 1 year to go for the WomenÃs Asian Cup Football, at Kurrawa on the Gold Coast. Pics Adam Head

Tillies fans can look forward to seeing their national team playing on home soil with Gold Coast securing much-anticipated 2026 Asian Cup fixtures.

State Sport Minister Tim Mander speaking from Broadbeach on Thursday morning announced the Gold Coast will host six Asian Cup games with two qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA women’s world cup in Brazil.

Mr Mander also confirmed at least one match would include the Matildas.

“We all know how Australia loves the Matildas and how inspiring they were in the last World Cup. That last World Cup generated tens and tens of millions of dollars for our local economies and led to a whole increase in young women who wanted to play football and other sports.

“We want people to come to the Gold Coast, we want them to come and watch the world-class football that will be on display. We want them to stay and enjoy the beaches of the Gold Coast and all the surrounds here. 
It’s these types of events that we are welcoming in this state on our runway to the games of 2032.”

The Matildas caused a frenzy during the 2023 World Cup. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

It comes a day after Sydney Triple M presenter Marty Sheargold and the broadcaster parted ways after a backlash to his comments made about the Matildas.

Sheargold came under fire after voicing disinterest in the Australian women’s team and women’s sport generally.

“You know what they remind me of? Year 10 girls,” Sheargold said on Monday, discussing the Matilda’s latest 4-0 loss to Japan.

“Oh god. The Asian Cup,” he continued. “I’d rather hammer a nail through the head of my ... than watch that.”

Triple M breakfast host Marty Sheargold. Picture: Supplied/Triple M

Mr Mander labelled Sheargold’s comments “absolutely puerile” and “a sad reflection on him”.

“It’s good to see he’s flushed out all the support the Matildas actually have. They are loved by Australians, their performance in the last World Cup was inspiring and I am very confident all of Australia are behind the Matildas.

“Occasionally mugs say stupid things, that was one of those things and it’s great he’s no longer on the airways.”

Gold Coast Acting Mayor Donna Gates said the city looked forward to welcoming football fans: “The Gold Coast is already loved by travellers from across Asia and we can’t wait to give fans a memorable time both inside the stadium and across our beachside city.”