Above: Joe Montemurro and Sam Kerr speaking to the media. Credit: By The White Line via @Matildas on Instagram.
By Ella McShane (28/2/26)
Tomorrow night, the Matildas take on The Philippines at Perth Stadium for the opening match of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Before the infamous West Australian sun goes down on what is set to be a monumental occasion for women’s football in the state, Matilda’s Captain Sam Kerr and head coach Joe Montemurro spoke to the media.
“We dream of these occasions.” Said Montemurro “We are very proud to be hosting the tournament.”
Although almost three years ago, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was an event entirely synonymous with the Matildas. For many, it was the cultural revolution that established everything they associate with the green and gold.
Looking to this tournament, things have changed. From the squad, to coaching staff we are truly at the dawn of a new era of Matildas. Kerr reflected on what 2023 means coming into this tournament on home soil.
“Every year I play in the Matilda’s, the team is getting better,” said Kerr. “They’re last tournament didn’t go the way I wanted, personally, but on a team level it was an amazing tournament.”
“I feel like I am really lucky to be here again on home soil, most people in their career don’t even get to play one tournament at home,” said Kerr. “The fact that we get two opportunities is an incredible honour.”
Kerr is also the only player within the selected squad, who was a part of the historical side that claimed Asian Cup victory in 2010. The hometown hero reflected on what that victory means for the team today.
“I know how much this team wants to win something together, I know how much every player wants to win something for the Matildas.”
“Going in as a dark horse [in 2010], helped us,” said Kerr. “And now with the pressure that the Matildas carry, we’ve tried to not talk about winning. Just talk about one game at a time. That’s what we did in 2010. I know how much everyone wants to win this tournament, but we don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves. There are a lot of great teams in our path.”
Tournament veteran Kerr’s main messaging for players participating in their maiden tournament is simple: “Just enjoy yourself. You never know when your opportunity will come and you just have to take it with both hands.”
While the Matildas may be a household name in women’s football, many nations participating in the tournament are a far cry from even having solid development pathways or player resources and infrastructure. Kerr shared her hopes for the future of women’s football in Asia and reflected on how far the Matildas have come in this aspect during her tenure.
“I hope they have the same growth as us,” said Kerr. “When I went to my first Asian Cup, no one expected us to win it. We were considered the dark horses. The games weren’t even live…five Asian Cups ago, that is where Australia was. Fast forward to today and the Matildas are the household name in Australia. I hope for all the other nations they go up in the same trajectory as the Matildas.”
Suspicions have been raised regarding the last line of green and gold defence, with Teagan Micah having to withdraw from the squad earlier in the week and Mackenzie Arnold absent from critical training sessions with less than twenty four hours to go.
“All of them are on individual scenarios to get right,” said Montemurro. “We are monitoring it and we’ve got it in control with our medical staff and we will make some decisions in the next 24 hours. I am still deciding what my starting eleven is going to be.”
The concern extends to the Midfield with key player Kyra Cooney-Cross also absent from critical training sessions. However Montemurro assured that Cooney-Cross’ absence is “all precaution” given tight scheduling between club and national team obligations.
Hometown hero Kerr also detailed what having a home match in Perth means to her as a proud West Australian.
“I crossed every finger and toe for the World Cup to be in Perth. The next best thing is the Asian Cup,” she said. “We have so many West Australian fans that spend so much time and money flying all across the country, to bring a major tournament here is great.”
Australia v The Philippines kicks off at 5pm AWST 1/3 at Optus Stadium in Perth and will be available to stream in 10Play and Paramount+ for paying subscribers.
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