Get ready for a thrilling showdown as the Matildas kick off their journey in the Women's Asian Cup 2026, aiming to reclaim continental glory! But here's where it gets exciting: their first match against the Philippines in Perth is just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable tournament. And this is the part most people miss—this is only the second time Australia has hosted the event, with matches spread across iconic stadiums in Perth, Sydney, and the Gold Coast. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer, you won’t want to miss this.
When do the Matildas play? Mark your calendars: the opening match against the Philippines is on Sunday, March 1, at 5 PM local time in Perth. For those tuning in from other parts of Australia, that’s 8 PM in NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, and the ACT, 7:30 PM in South Australia, 7 PM in Queensland, and 6:30 PM in the Northern Territory. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your weekend with some world-class football.
How can you watch and follow the action? ABC Sport has you covered every step of the way. Their live blog will capture every moment of the Matildas’ campaign, complete with in-depth analysis, feature articles, and the tournament’s biggest storylines. Just head to abc.net.au/news/sport to stay in the loop. Plus, catch live radio broadcasts of all Matildas matches and knockout games on ABC Listen, with a dedicated Asian Cup button for easy access. But here’s where it gets controversial—with commentators like Ned Hall, Clint Wheeldon, and former Matildas stars Collette Gardiner and Alicia Ferguson, the debate over play-by-play commentary styles is sure to heat up. Which commentator do you think will bring the most energy to the matches? Let us know in the comments!
For those who prefer watching on screen, Network 10 will broadcast all Matildas matches live, and the entire tournament will be streamed on Paramount Plus. No matter where you are, you’ll have a front-row seat to the action.
Who’s in the Matildas squad? The 26-player lineup features a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Leading the charge is none other than superstar striker Sam Kerr, whose presence alone is enough to strike fear into opponents. Alongside her are stalwarts like Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, and Caitlin Foord, ensuring a solid foundation. And this is the part most people miss—despite returning from a nearly 10-month injury layoff, the mercurial Mary Fowler has secured her spot, adding an element of unpredictability to the squad. Will her inclusion be a game-changer, or is it a risky move? Share your thoughts below!
For a deeper dive into what to expect from this evolving team, check out our comprehensive analysis here. And if you’re new to the tournament, our need-to-know guide here has everything you need to get up to speed.
Don’t want to miss a beat? Download the ABC News app on your phone, head to 'profile and settings,' tap on 'notifications,' enable the 'breaking news' slider, and select 'sport' under topics. You’ll be the first to know about all the tournament’s biggest moments.
As the Matildas chase their second continental title, one question remains: Can they go all the way? With a formidable squad and home-ground advantage, the odds are in their favor. But in football, anything can happen. What do you think—will the Matildas lift the trophy, or will another team surprise us all? Let the debate begin!
