McDaniel vows to stand tall for the Philippines

Fri, 27 Feb, 2026

McDaniel vows to stand tall for the Philippines

Sydney: When the Philippines step out to open their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Group A campaign against the hosts on Sunday, Olivia McDaniel knows what it will feel like.

McDaniel is prepared for the Matildas’ fans in the Perth Stadium to be at their loudest, with the custodian relishing the opportunity to once again perform on a big occasion. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3158787

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3158789

Preview - Group A: Australia v Philippines

Sat, 28 Feb, 2026

Preview - Group A: Australia v Philippines

Perth: Tournament favourites Australia can expect a fired up Philippines when the teams meet in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Group A opener at the Perth Stadium on Sunday.

Australia, seeking to win the title for a second time, will be determined to lay down an early marker with the Philippines keen on continuing their stunning rise with a statement performance.

Ramirez determined to make her mark

Sat, 28 Feb, 2026

Ramirez determined to make her mark

Perth: Mallie Ramirez has vowed to put her best foot forward in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Group A tie against hosts Australia on Sunday.

The 21-year-old, who plays for the UNLV Rebels, has already made her mark in the Philippines setup following their historic SEA Games 2025 campaign.

Emerging Australian talent gives Kerr confidence

Sat, 28 Feb, 2026

Emerging Australian talent gives Kerr confidence

Perth: Sam Kerr is relishing her competitive return for the Matildas in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Group A opener against the Philippines at Perth Stadium on Sunday.

It will mark Kerr’s first competitive action for Australia since scoring a stunning goal in the 3-1 defeat to England in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 semi-final.

AFC President sends best wishes ahead of AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Sat, 28 Feb, 2026

AFC President sends best wishes ahead of AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Kuala Lumpur: When hosts Australia take on the Philippines in tomorrow’s opening match at Perth Stadium at 5pm, it will mark the start of the 21st edition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ where the Continent’s finest women’s national teams will battle for the coveted crown from March 1 to 21, 2026.

With the opening match poised to set a new attendance benchmark in the history of the Continental showpiece, AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has offered words of encouragement to the 12 participating teams and the Local Organising Committee.

Dong Fangyu to officiate #WAC2026 opening match

Fri, 27 Feb, 2026

Dong Fangyu to officiate #WAC2026 opening match

Perth: As the Continent gears up for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed the cast of match officials who will oversee the opening match of Asia’s premier women’s national team competition at the stunning Perth Stadium on Sunday.

Among Asia’s most accomplished referees, China PR’s Dong Fangyu has been appointed to take charge of the curtain raiser between hosts Australia and the Philippines, which kicks off at 5pm at the 60,000-capacity venue.