The wait is almost over. In just a few weeks, the Matildas return to home soil to host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026. Running from 1 March to 21 March, this tournament is the biggest football event in the country since the 2023 World Cup. It is more than just a hunt for silverware; it serves as the primary qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists punching their tickets automatically.
With Joe Montemurro now at the helm and Sam Kerr leading a full-strength squad, expectations are sky-high. Here is the definitive guide on the fixtures, the host venues, and where the value lies in the outright winner markets.
The Matildas 2026 Asian Cup Guide: Fixtures, Squads & Winner Odds
Matildas Group A Fixtures & Schedule
Australia has been drawn into Group A alongside South Korea, the Philippines, and Iran. The schedule is designed to bring the team to fans across the country, with matches set for Perth, the Gold Coast, and Sydney.
- Match 1: Australia vs Philippines Sunday, 1 March at Perth Stadium (Optus Stadium). Kick-off: 8:00pm AWST (11:00pm AEDT). This is a massive homecoming for Sam Kerr in front of a 60,000-seat crowd. The Philippines, coached by Australian Mark Torcaso, will be looking to frustrate the hosts, but the atmosphere in Perth should carry the Matildas home.
- Match 2: Australia vs Iran Thursday, 5 March at Gold Coast Stadium (Cbus Super Stadium). Kick-off: 7:00pm AEST (8:00pm AEDT). This midweek fixture is a chance for Montemurro to test his squad depth. Iran is the lowest-ranked team in the group, making this a prime opportunity for Australia to boost their goal difference ahead of the final group clash.
- Match 3: Australia vs South Korea Sunday, 8 March at Stadium Australia (Accor Stadium), Sydney. Kick-off: 8:00pm AEDT. Played on International Women’s Day, this is the marquee match of the opening round. South Korea is the toughest opponent in the group and finished runner-up in the last Asian Cup. This game will likely decide who tops Group A and earns a theoretically easier path through the quarter-finals.
2026 Asian Cup Winner Odds: Can the Matildas Do It?
The betting markets have narrowed as the tournament approaches. Currently, Australia and Japan are the clear co-favourites to lift the trophy on 21 March.
- Australia ($2.40 at Dabble): Home ground advantage cannot be overstated. We saw the "Matildas Effect" take over the nation in 2023, and with the final scheduled for Stadium Australia, the team is perfectly positioned to end their 16-year Asian Cup trophy drought.
- Japan ($2.60 at Bet365): The Nadeshiko remain the technical benchmark in Asia. They are the team to beat tactically and are often the preferred pick for professional punters who value their consistency in high-pressure knockout games.
- North Korea ($7.00 at Neds): After a period of absence from international football, North Korea has returned as a powerhouse. Physically robust and incredibly well-drilled, they represent the best "long shot" value for anyone looking for an underdog capable of a deep run.
- China PR ($9.00 at Ladbrokes): You can never discount the defending champions. While they are in a rebuilding phase, their tournament pedigree is unmatched, having won this competition nine times.
Key Storylines to Watch
Joe Montemurro’s first major tournament on home soil marks a shift in style. Known for a possession-based approach from his time at Arsenal and Juventus, he has the Matildas playing more through the midfield. This makes ball-players like Kyra Cooney-Cross and Katrina Gorry absolutely vital to the structure.
The Sam Kerr factor is also huge. After the injury heartbreak of the last home tournament, she will be desperate to deliver in Perth and Sydney. Beyond the stars, the pressure of World Cup qualification looms large. The four semi-finalists automatically qualify for Brazil 2027, so a slip-up in the Quarter-Finals (12–14 March) could be disastrous.
The Road to the 2027 World Cup
For those following the tournament closely, the Quarter-Finals (12–14 March) are the most critical dates on the calendar. Under AFC rules, the four teams that reach the semi-finals qualify directly for Brazil 2027. If the Matildas were to slip up in the quarter-finals, they would be forced into a high-stakes play-off round on the Gold Coast on 19 March to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
How to Watch
You can catch every Matildas game live and free on Channel 10, with every other tournament match available to stream via 10 Play and Paramount+.
