AFC Women's Asian Cup
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.
Head coach Joe Montemurro will expect a winning start from Australia, having consistently beaten the Philippines in their previous meetings.
“Every now and then, you dream of moments like this and we’re looking forward to an amazing tournament,” said Montemurro. “There will be some very special memories made and we’re also very proud to be hosting the tournament and excited for what promises to be a fantastic journey.
“At the moment, there’s no discussion from any player about availability, so I’m still finalising my starting 11. Each player is being assessed individually and our medical staff have it under control. We’ll make decisions in the next 24 hours.”
“Every now and then, you dream of moments like this and we’re looking forward to an amazing tournament,” said Montemurro. “There will be some very special memories made and we’re also very proud to be hosting the tournament and excited for what promises to be a fantastic journey.
“At the moment, there’s no discussion from any player about availability, so I’m still finalising my starting 11. Each player is being assessed individually and our medical staff have it under control. We’ll make decisions in the next 24 hours.”
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Backed by home support and the return of captain Sam Kerr after an 18-month layoff, Montemurro’s side will look to combine experience with depth.
“We are really excited and looking forward to getting on the pitch. It’s been a unique journey to get here but these are special occasions we treasure as professionals.
“There’s a lot of pride in being part of this group and being involved in tomorrow’s match. The whole tournament promises to be amazing and I can’t wait to be part of it.”
“We are really excited and looking forward to getting on the pitch. It’s been a unique journey to get here but these are special occasions we treasure as professionals.
“There’s a lot of pride in being part of this group and being involved in tomorrow’s match. The whole tournament promises to be amazing and I can’t wait to be part of it.”
#WAC2026 - Preview: Group Stage Matchday One
His opposite number, Mark Torcaso has overseen a steady rise in the Philippines on the continental stage, having guided the team to a historic gold medal at the SEA Games 2025.
“It’s a privilege to compete in a major tournament like this and to be here representing our country is something we’re incredibly proud of,” said Torcaso. “Playing in the opening match makes it even more special. It's an exciting opportunity for both our young and experienced players.
“The SEA Games was an incredible preparation for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and winning gold was historic for our country. Now, we move on from that success and focus on the next challenge, another World Cup.”
“It’s a privilege to compete in a major tournament like this and to be here representing our country is something we’re incredibly proud of,” said Torcaso. “Playing in the opening match makes it even more special. It's an exciting opportunity for both our young and experienced players.
“The SEA Games was an incredible preparation for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and winning gold was historic for our country. Now, we move on from that success and focus on the next challenge, another World Cup.”
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Torcaso believes his squad has the resilience and defensive organisation to frustrate his native Australia.
“We know we’re up against one of the favourites for the competition, but occasions like this are why we play the game. We understand what’s at stake, yet we’re embracing the challenge.
“The Matildas have quality and depth, no matter who’s injured. Our focus is on ourselves - staying disciplined, compact, and passionate. We respect every opponent, but our job is to do what we need to do.”
“We know we’re up against one of the favourites for the competition, but occasions like this are why we play the game. We understand what’s at stake, yet we’re embracing the challenge.
“The Matildas have quality and depth, no matter who’s injured. Our focus is on ourselves - staying disciplined, compact, and passionate. We respect every opponent, but our job is to do what we need to do.”
Trivia
- Australia have won all three of their matches against the Philippines – including an 8-0 win in their most recent encounter (29/10/2023) – and have outscored them by a combined 19-0 across those matches. They won 4-0 in their only previous meeting at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup (2022). Philippines suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Australian U23 team in the 2025 ASEAN Women's Championship.
- Australia are undefeated in their last nine group stage matches at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup (W6 D3), outscoring their opposition 40-5 in that stretch. They will, however, l be looking to avoid back-to-back losses at the tournament for the first time since 2008 after finishing their 2022 campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Korea Republic.
- The Philippines have progressed past the group stage at each of their last two AFC Women’s Asian Cup appearances (2018, 2022) – including a semi-final appearance in 2022 – after never previously making it past in eight prior tournaments.
- Sam Kerr has been directly involved in 13 goals across her last eight AFC Women’s Asian Cup matches (10 goals, 3 assists).
Australia v Philippines
Venue: Perth Stadium
Kick-off: Sunday, 17:00 (UTC+8)
Venue: Perth Stadium
Kick-off: Sunday, 17:00 (UTC+8)
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