The Australian Government has committed $15 million to support the successful delivery of the event and to boost women's sport.
There is less than one year to go until the AFC Women's Asian Cup, Asia's most prestigious women's football competition, and the draw has just been announced.
Hosting international sporting events like the AFC Women's Asian Cup provides an important spotlight for women's sport to:
- inspire young girls and women from all walks of life
- drive participation in football
- promote gender equity
- showcase Australia to the world
- achieve cultural and economic benefits.
Australia's Matildas will open the tournament at Perth Stadium on Sunday 1 March 2026, taking on the Philippines.
The event provides a great opportunity to celebrate the Matildas on home soil again, following a thrilling performance during the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023.
As the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup champions, the Matildas will be looking for tournament success under newly appointed head coach Joe Montemurro.
When do the Matildas play?
| When | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8pm AEDT, Sunday 1 March 2026 | Australia v Philippines | Perth Stadium, Perth |
| 8pm AEDT, Thursday 5 March 2026 | IR Iran v Australia | Gold Coast Stadium, Gold Coast |
| 8pm AEDT, Sunday 8 March 2026 | Australia v Korea Republic | Stadium Australia, Sydney |
The full competition schedule is now available.
In the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Australia will host several international sporting events as part of the green and gold decade. These events are aligned to the Major Sporting Event Legacy Framework which ensures they provide economic, social, cultural, environmental and sporting benefits to Australia.
