Asia’s Biggest Women’s Football Tournament Is Kicking Off In Australia This Weekend

Soccer, football, the sport that’ll have you screaming ‘Waltzing Matilda’ from the stands... whatever you want to call it, a three-week sporting spectacle of the beautiful game is about to sweep across Australia.  The AFC Women’s Asian Cup is touching down in Oz this weekend, bringing Asia’s very best teams down under for a whirlwind run of goals, glory and stadium-shaking drama. 

From 1-21 March, twelve of Asia’s best teams will bounce between Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast for 27 high-stakes matches packed with big goals and bigger crowds. On the line, along with the shiny, silver trophy, are six elusive golden tickets to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. No pressure, ladies.  

Now this tournament isn’t the new kid on the block—in fact, it’s the oldest international women’s football competition on the planet, dating back to 1975 in Hong Kong. Fast-forward more than half a century to 2026 and it has grown into a full-bloody football frenzy, with record crowds expected and a seriously stacked field of teams from Australia, Japan, Korea Republic, China PR, Philippines, IR Iran, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, DPR Korea, and Chinese Taipei.

2026 is the year of firsts. Say hello to Naara, the tournament’s very first mascot galloping onto the pitch in the form of a high-spirited pony (a nod to the Luna Calendar’s Year of the Horse). Meet the Wavemaker, a bespoke match ball by Kelme. And watch closely, because video assistant referees will be keeping a close eye on things for each and every match. This full-blown production even has its own tournament anthem by none other than G-Flip, with their own take of Rattling Sabres’ All Fired Up. 

Not too familiar with the AFC? here’s the sideline summary of how it works: Each of the twelve teams play three group-stage matches bouncing between Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast, before the top sides move into knockout rounds and a grand final in Sydney. First up is Perth/Boorloo, and the not-so-sleepy city is kicking things off with a full-stadium spectacle with our very own Aussies taking on the Philippines. 

Before the Matildas even touch the ball, the opening night is getting a splash of K-pop sparkle. Global music artist Audrey Nuna—yep, the voice behind Mira in K-Pop Demon Hunters—is headlining the opening ceremony with a live performance inside Perth Stadium.  

But the action doesn’t stop there. Perth will host a total of six group-stage games, two quarter-finals, and a semi-final. For those on the east coast (or super soccer supporters willing to travel far and wide) Sydney is hosting the semi-final and grand final, while the Gold Coast is serving up the high-stakes play-offs that will decide the last two spots for Brazil 2027. 

Matilda’s Must-See Matches: 

• 1 March — Australia vs Philippines (Perth)
• 5 March — Australia vs IR Iran (Gold Coast)
• 8 March — Australia vs Korea Republic (Sydney, International Women’s Day)

So warm up those vocal cords, brush up on your chants and get ready for a football fiesta like no other. Tickets are selling fast, and trust us, you do not want to be that person watching epic goals from the couch. Secure your seats here.