The 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup kicked off in Australia on Sunday, when the host nation opened the year's first World Cup qualifying tournament with a victory.
Captain Sam Kerr got the world No. 15 Matildas off to a strong start, scoring the lone goal in Sunday's 1-0 group-stage win over the No. 41 Philippines — and doing so in her hometown of Perth in front of a tournament-record crowd of 44,379 fans.
Kerr's 14th-minute header was also the striker's first international goal since late 2023, with the 32-year-old back in form after suffering an ACL tear with her WSL club Chelsea in January 2024.
"Hopefully [the goal] starts me off on a good run for the rest of the tournament," Kerr said postgame. "It means a lot to be back in the team, back scoring, and to do it at home is extra special."
Along with a spot in the 2027 World Cup, Australia will aim to top the Asian Cup podium for just the second time in the nation's history, as the Matildas look to add to their initial 2010 title.
That said, the 12-country tournament field holds tough competition for the Aussies, including No. 8 Japan, No. 17 China, No. 21 South Korea, and reigning U-20 World Cup champion No. 9 North Korea, who returns to the competition for the first time since 2010.
The nations will battle through three group-stage matches and a trio of knockout rounds to determine this year's AFC Asian Cup champion as well as to lock in the confederation's six 2027 World Cup bids — plus two intercontinental playoff spots.
"Today was a good start and there's lots of belief within the team," added Kerr on Sunday. "But, as you see today, there's a lot of quality teams in the Asian Cup."
How to watch the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup
The Asian Cup continues its group-stage openers with North Korea kicking off against Uzbekistan at 9 PM ET on Monday, streaming live on One Football.
