Some veteran Matildas could prolong their careers to experience Asisan Cup on home soil
The lure of recreating some World Cup magic and playing in front of sold out crowds could be enough to tempt some fan favourites to extend their Matildas careers.
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Another major women’s football tournament on home soil is a massive coup for Football Australia and the sport in general but it could also give the more experienced Matildas a reason to keep their boots on.
Australia was officially named as the host of the 2026 AFC Asian Women’s Cup at the AFC Congress in Thailand on Wednesday night.
A total of 12 nations will take part in the tournament with games to be held in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.
Matildas winger Cortnee Vine said it was a massive win.
“It’s pretty unreal,” Vine said.
“Not many people can say they’ve been to a tournament on home soil.
“I got to be at the World Cup on home soil which is unbelievable and then now to hopefully play at an Asian Cup, it’s unreal.
“The crowds we got at the World Cup I have no doubt they’ll be there at the Asian Cup as well, so big sell out games are to be expected.”
Post the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup several fan favourites hinted the upcoming Paris Olympics would be their last major tournament in the green and gold strip.
Vine said the lure of recreating the World Cup magic, playing in front of a home crowd and potentially lifting the AFC Asian Women’s Cup for the first time since 2010 could spur these experienced players to kick on.
“It’s a bit of a trap with the cycle, there’s always something else coming,” Vine said.
“You have World Cups, then the Olympics, there’s a little break but if you hang on for another year you’ll get to be at another home tournament.
“I definitely think that’ll play on their minds.”
Goalkeeper Lydia Williams is the only one to officially announce her post-Olympics retirement plans.
Defender Aivi Luik is in top form but at 39 is unlikely to be playing come 2026.
Post World Cup Gorry hinted the Olympics would be her last major competition in the green and gold. Clare Polkinghorne, our most capped player, has been plagued by injury and at 35-years-old has certainly earned the right to hang up her Matildas jersey.
Midfielder Katrina Gorry said the Olympics would likely be her last chance to celebrate a major tournament win with the Matildas.
Perhaps we could even see a Michelle Heyman-like comeback from Larissa Crummer.
If they do choose to keep playing their spots on the team are far from certain.
The Matildas could have a new coach come 2026 – with Tony Gustavsson’s current contract due to expire after the Paris Olympics and a new deal yet to be struck.
On top of that there is a growing contingent of talented young players just waiting for their chance to mimic the heroes they grew up watching from the grandstands.
Take Melbourne City and Australian under-23s forward Daniela Galic.
The 17-year-old was named the A-League Women’s Young Footballer of the Year – scoring seven goals in her 22 matches.
Gustavsson even called her into a senior camp as a training partner.
Brisbane Roar’s Sharn Frier has one cap to her name after her first call up for the game against Mexico and is sure to be on any national team coach’s radar.
There is also teen football prodigy Indiana dos Santos – a once in a generation talent.
Perth Glory’s Hana Lowry is a regular in the under-23s team and likely to challenge for a spot in the senior team.
Injured forward Holly McNamara can’t be forgotten either – she is only 21 and sure to bounce back from her third ACL injury.
Then there are the current fringe players with experience in international football but just waiting for their moment – such as Charli Grant, Clare Wheeler, Amy Sayer, Courtney Nevin, Teagan Michah and Jada Whyman.
Tournament dates for the 2026 tournament are yet to be confirmed.
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