- AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 kicks off in Perth this Sunday with Matildas opener and performance by KPop Demon Hunters star Audrey Nuna
- Ten games to be held in Perth from 1-17 March
- Precinct entertainment and wellbeing hubs at every match
- Tournament is part of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy to boost tourism sector and support local businesses and local jobs
Perth will shine on the global stage this Sunday when it hosts the opening ceremony and first match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup, kicking off three weeks of international football.
Australia's Matildas will face the Philippines in the highly anticipated opening match at Perth Stadium, featuring an Australian-exclusive performance by Audrey Nuna - best known as the singing voice of Mira from KPop Demon Hunters.
Sunday's much-anticipated game marks the Matildas' first match of 2026 and their return to Perth for the first time since July 2025, when they faced Slovenia and Panama in an international friendly series that included a historic inaugural visit to regional WA, with a match played in Bunbury.
Supported by the Cook Government through Tourism WA, ten matches will be held at Perth Stadium and Perth Rectangular Stadium from 1 March, culminating in a Perth semi-final on 17 March before the tournament concludes in Sydney on 21 March.
As part of the festivities, vibrant fan activation zones will be set up at both stadiums, offering roving entertainment, family-friendly activities, plus a dedicated Health and Wellbeing Hub focusing on women's health.
This year's AFC Women's Asian Cup will be a milestone edition, delivering several tournament-firsts, including a bespoke Official Match Ball uniquely designed for the Cup, a tournament mascot, video assistant referee (VAR) for every match, and the largest-ever contingent of match officials in the Cup's history.
Perth will welcome a stellar line-up of teams, including Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, India, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and the tournament's top-ranked team Japan, which is currently eighth in the world, and the only Asian team to have won a FIFA Women's World Cup.
In the lead-up to the tournament, the AFC Women's Asian Cup trophy has travelled across the country on the Trophy Road Trip and visited locations including Busselton, Margaret River, Fremantle and Rottnest Island, showcasing iconic Western Australian destinations to fans across the world.
Millions of viewers are expected to tune in from across the globe to watch the event, shining an international spotlight on Western Australia and its world-class sporting facilities. The AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 will take place across Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney and serves as the Asian qualifying tournament for the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027.
The tournament wraps up a blockbuster Summer of Events in Western Australia, following the success of the United Cup, HoopsFest, the inaugural Perth Sail Grand Prix, Rugby SVNS, and the sold-out AFL Origin.
Securing major sporting events like this strengthens the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy by building a year-round events calendar that attracts visitors to the State, generates valuable tourism dollars for local businesses, and supports jobs across WA's tourism industry.
Find out more and get your tickets at ticketmaster.com.au/womensasiancup2026 .
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"Perth continues to build on its reputation as a world-class host of major sporting events, as we prepare for the opening ceremony and first match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 - with only days to go until the Matildas take to the pitch at Perth Stadium.
"There's enormous excitement building, whether that's to see the top-ranked team of the tournament, Japan, compete on Western Australian soil or to watch KPop Demon Hunters global sensation, Audrey Nuna, perform at the opening ceremony, fans will be spoilt for choice, and all eyes will be on Perth for kick off.
"Major events play a key part in the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy, while also positioning the State as the fastest-growing events destination in the South-East Asia region.
"We're proud to support sporting events like the AFC Women's Asian Cup, as they draw valuable international attention to our world-class venues and support the tourism sector and jobs by attracting visitors who fill our hotels, restaurants and bars - boosting the State's economy."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The Cook Government's record investment in community sporting infrastructure is supporting events from grassroots to the elite level, including the AFC Women's Asian Cup.
"We delivered $5.5 million worth of upgrades at local venues which will serve as training centres for the international teams competing in Perth.
"Thanks to our government's investment, local sporting clubs will have access to world-class training facilities that can host players at every level - from elite athletes to juniors taking the field for the first time.
"I'm looking forward to watching the Matildas take on the Philippines this weekend for the AFC Women's Asian Cup opening match."
As stated by Multicultural Interests Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"The AFC Women's Asian Cup will not only showcase elite football, but the power of women, leadership and unity across cultures.
"It provides a fantastic opportunity for Western Australia's culturally and linguistically diverse communities to come together and create shared moments of celebration.
"It is a powerful reminder that sport has a unique way of bringing people together, building belonging, and strengthening cultural connections across our communities."
