- One month to go until AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 kicks off in Perth with Opening Ceremony and Matildas game
- Opening match entertainment announced as KPop Demon Huntersstar, Audrey Nuna
- Trophy Road Trip kicking off in Perth to mark four weeks to go
- Part of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy to generate valuable tourism dollars for local business and support local jobs
The countdown is on, with one month to go until Perth hosts the prestigious opening ceremony and first match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup on 1 March 2026.
Set to take place at the world-class Perth Stadium, the highly anticipated opening match between Australia's Matildas and the Philippines will be preceded by an unforgettable opening ceremony featuring Grammy and Oscar-nominee, Audrey Nuna, best known as the singing voice of Mira in KPop Demon Huntersand the smash hit 'Golden'. Nuna will take to the stage again at half-time for an in-stadium live performance exclusive to those attending the match.
Building excitement ahead of the tournament, a Trophy Road Trip will give fans the chance to see the AFC Women's Asian Cup trophy up close, kicking off in Scarborough today.
The Trophy Road Trip will continue to stop at iconic Western Australian destinations, such as Busselton, Margaret River and Rottnest Island, before taking centre stage at Perth Stadium ahead of the opening match.
The Opening Ceremony marks the start of three weeks of world-class football, with Perth hosting 10 matches, including all group matches of the highest ranked team in the tournament, Japan.
Held every four years, the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 will serve as the Asian qualifying tournament for the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027.
The 2026 tournament will be broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide across the duration of the event, giving Perth and its state-of-the-art facilities global exposure.
The AFC Women's Asian Cup is one of the blockbuster summer events for WA, following the success of the United Cup, HoopsFest, and Perth Sail Grand Prix, plus the upcoming Rugby SVNS and AFL Origin.
Securing these matches highlights the Cook Government's ongoing economic diversification strategy to delivering a year-round events calendar that boosts visitation and generates valuable tourism dollars for local businesses and local jobs.
Find out more and get tickets at ticketmaster.com.au/womensasiancup2026
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Excitement for the AFC Women's Asian Cup is building, with local fans gearing up to be part of this major international event which will bring world-class football to Perth.
"In just one month, Perth hosts the AFC Women's Asian Cup - inspiring the next generation and delivering real benefits for our local community and economy.
"From the Trophy Road Trip across some of WA's most iconic destinations to the Opening Ceremony at Perth Stadium, the AFC Women's Asian Cup is a powerful opportunity to showcase Perth and Western Australia to millions of viewers around the world.
"Hosting major international events like this delivers real benefits for our local community and economy, while also inspiring the next generation of young athletes."
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"With only one month to go before the AFC Women's Asian Cup kicks off here in Perth, we have an amazing opening ceremony lined up for fans, with KPop Demon Huntersstar Audrey Nuna taking to the stage.
"There's also a fantastic opportunity to see the Women's Asian Cup trophy across Western Australia in the lead-up to the tournament, which will be a real delight to fans far and wide.
"Attracting the AFC Women's Asian Cup to Western Australia is part of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy, solidifying our reputation as the fastest-growing events destination in the South East Asia region, delivering valuable tourism dollars for local businesses and local jobs, as well as highlighting WA as a must-see destination to millions of viewers abroad."
Comments attributed to Multicultural Interests Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"We're proud and excited to welcome players from countries such as Japan,Uzbekistan,India and Vietnam to this world-class event in Perth.
"A love of football unites so many Western Australians including those with European, African, Asian and South American backgrounds.
"The event is a great reflection of the multiculturalism that is an important part of WA's identity."
