Women's 2026 Asian Cup live updates: Matildas kick

Everyone is ready and no doubt anxious for everything to get going.

Who can get the fast start? Will the Matildas make an early breakthrough, or can the Filipinas hold the line.

It's time!

The Matildas kick off.

Audrey Nuna and her backing dancers were giving it everything on the opening ceremony stage - props to the K-Pop star for getting a few thank yous to Perth in there!

Also Aussie singer Zipporah nailed her moment on stage with some typically solid vocals as the crowd got right into it.

That's the formalities over with - next up, some football!

The Philippines are an emerging force in women's football.

Since taking over in 2023, Australian head coach Mark Torcaso has overseen some serious squad building, welcoming a strong core of diaspora based players into the international setup, including Canada-born veteran Jackie Sawicki, Norway-born midfielder Sara Eggesvik and US-born duo Bella Pasion and Sarina Bolden.

The Australian connection doesn't end with Torcaso either - former Matilda Angie Beard, who made three appearances for Australia in 2021, has become a key figure in the Filipinas' defence since switching international allegiances in 2023.

But the Philippines also boast an exciting contingent of homegrown stars who are beginning to find their feet at international level.

Chief amongst them is Mallie Ramirez - the 21-year-old forward who starred in the Philippines' maiden Southeast Asian Games triumph last year.

For more on the Philippines and their journey to the 2026 Asian Cup, take a look at Venice Furio's excellent analysis of the emerging side.

As we enter this tournament, clearly the Matildas have some home-ground advantage, but they also have some questions to be answered.

New coach Joe Montemurro has the pedigree at club level, having mentored some of the biggest teams in the world.

But he has had well under a year to try and bring a new approach to the Australian team — and it's going to be tested in the spotlight of tournament play on front of expectant home fans.

We also have queries about two of the Matildas' biggest names, with Sam Kerr returning after 18 months out with a knee injury, and Mary Fowler also coming off a short prep after coming back from her ACL tear.

If they can get off to a strong start, with home support, then who knows where the ceiling is for the Matildas?

But if they drop points tonight, it will ramp up the pressure against Iran next week before their final group match against South Korea.

So the Matildas begin the tournament and their Women's Asian Cup campaign with a match against the Philippines in Perth.

Four years ago, Australia kicked things off with a thumping 18-0 win over Indonesia, led by five goals from Sam Kerr, a hat-trick for Emily van Egmond and doubles to Kyah Simon, Ellie Carpenter and Hayley Raso.

That sort of result is not on the cards today, even given the fact that the last time these two teams met, Australia beat the Filipinas 8-0 in Olympic qualifying.

The expectation will be for a win for the Matildas, but that's why they play games on grass, not on paper.

As expected, Chloe Lincoln starts.

The shot stopper wasn't in the initial 26-player squad for the tournament, but injuries to Teagan Micah, Jada Whyman and Mackenzie Arnold mean the 21-year-old starts in the Australian goal for just the second time.

Kyra Cooney-Cross isn't named, with her leadup to the tournament dominated by heartbreaking personal news.

Otherwise, it's a very experienced line-up selected by Joe Montemurro.

Sam Kerr, playing her first game in Australia since the Women's World Cup in 2023, Hayley Raso and Caitlin Foord are the forward three, while veteran Emily van Egmond will play in the hole between midfield and attack, with Clare Wheeler and Katrinna Gorry tasked with doing the dirty work in the Matildas' engine room.

Steph Catley looks set to start at left back, with Wini Heatley and Clare Hunt in the middle and, of course, Ellie Carpenter on the right side of defence.

Football can be a funny game.

Not even included in the Matildas' initial 26-player squad for the tournament, Chloe Lincoln will start the Asian Cup in goal for Australia.

Last week, Lincoln was called into the squad as an injury replacement for seasoned shot stopper Teagan Micah, who was forced to pull out of the tournament due to concussion.

And earlier today, it was confirmed that reserve goalkeeper Jada Whyman had left the squad nursing a knee injury, with the uncapped Morgan Aquino her 11th hour replacement.

Meanwhile, the Matildas' incumbent No. 1 and 2023 World Cup hero, Mackenzie Arnold, has hardly trained all week.

Arnold is on the home stretch of her own recovery from injury, having not played since November.

A massive moment for 21-year-old Lincoln.

Hello, good evening and welcome to our live coverage of the Women's Asian Cup for 2026.

It's been a whole two-and-a-half years since we've had a major tournament held in Australia — so it's high time we had another one!

We are set to get underway with the opening game, as the Matildas face the Philippines at Perth Stadium.

I'm Andrew McGarry, and along with Henry Hanson we'll be bringing you the action from the tournament opener.

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