- AFC Women's Asian Cup kicks off this weekend in Perth
- Ten games to be held in Perth from 1-17 March
- 12 national teams to compete including opening match Matildas v Philippines
- Matildas officially presented with green and gold jerseys at Sam Kerr Football Centre
- Cook Government committed to diversifying the economy by attracting major events
Football fever is building in Perth as Western Australia prepares to host the opening of the AFC Women's Asian Cup at Perth Stadium this weekend.
Fans turned out in force today at the Sam Kerr Football Centre for the Matildas' open training session and official jersey presentation, creating an electric atmosphere ahead of Sunday's opening match.
Matildas Assistant Coach Emily Husband presented each member of the 26player squad, led by Captain Sam Kerr, with the iconic green and gold jersey.
The Matildas line-up features familiar faces in Australia's AFC Women's Asian Cup including Steph Catley, Ellie Carpenter and Mary Fowler, while eight players - Winonah Heatley, Clare Hunt, Kahli Johnson, Jamilla Rankin, Charlize Rule, Amy Sayer, Kaitlyn Torpey and Jada Whyman - are set to make their AFC Women's Asian Cup debut.
Perth's program includes 10 fixtures from 1-17 March. In the opening rounds, Perth will host national teams, including Japan, Chinese Taipei, Vietnam, India, the Philippines, Japan, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan, showcasing worldclass football on home soil.
This Sunday's opening match between the Matildas and the Philippines will set the tone for an unforgettable threeweek tournament that will inspire young players, elevate women's sport and deepen Australia's connection with the AsiaPacific region.
Western Australia's long-standing passion for football, combined with a proven track record of successfully hosting major events, has positioned the State as a premier destination for international sport.
The AFC Women's Asian Cup strengthens this reputation, offering significant tourism and economic benefits while shining a global spotlight on WA's sporting and cultural vibrancy.
Tickets are available now at ticketmaster.com.au/womensasiancup2026 .
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Today's national jersey presentation is a symbol of years of hard work, sacrifice and belief to reach the elite level.
"It's a proud moment to wear the green and gold, and it inspires the next generation of Western Australian girls who are watching and dreaming of one day wearing it themselves.
"With the AFC Women's Asian Cup opening in Perth this weekend, we are welcoming fans from across Australia and the region, showcasing WA on the global stage and delivering real benefits for local jobs, tourism and businesses.
"I congratulate every player honoured at the ceremony and thank the coaches, families and volunteers who've supported them from the grassroots to the elite level.
"I'm looking forward to an incredible tournament and getting behind the Matildas as they take the field on Sunday."
As stated by Acting Tourism Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"The AFC Women's Asian Cup will showcase WA to a global broadcast audience strengthening the State's profile as a major events destination and driving long-term tourism interest.
"I encourage all Western Australians to get behind this once in a generation event - buy a ticket, bring your family, and be part of an unforgettable moment in our sporting history.
"This major event and city-wide celebrations reinforce Western Australia as a fantastic place to live, visit, and work and is a prime example of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy in generating valuable tourism dollars for local businesses and local jobs."
