The AFC Asia Women’s Cup 2026 has officially kicked off with the opening match between hosts Australia and Philippines. Australia’s star striker Sam Kerr was influential in the team’s first win of the tournament on Sunday, March 1, after defeating the Philippines by a score of 1-0 win held at Perth Stadium. The Chelsea forward was the lone goal scorer opening Australia’s account in the game in the 14th minute.
The last time Australia and Philippines had faced each other back in 2023, Australia won by a decisive score of 8-0. With the win, Australia have added three points to Group A, aiming to win the continental title after 2010.
Speaking of Australia’s chance in winning the title, Kerr shared that the team is heading as the day progresses. Securing a win in the first match of the tournament has, however, given some chance to their hopes.
“Everyone comes here to win, but we’re just taking it one game at a time. Today was a good start, and there’s a lot of belief within the team. But there are a lot of quality teams in the Asian Cup, so you have to take one game at a time,” she said.
Only the top two teams along with two third-place winners from each group will progress to the quarterfinals. The teams have to work hard enough to earn their spot among the top six finishers in the tournament and get themselves a qualification spot for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
The Australians secured the lead in the 14th minute after a wrong move from Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord got her on side and found Kerr who then took the score home attempting from close range. The score could have doubled from Emily van Egmond but the Leicester midfielder’s ball went over the bar. They found another attempt from Hayley Raso but she was later found on the offside by the video referee, and Australia could not add any more goals until the break.
Meanwhile, the Philippines who have been training under Australian coach Mark Torcaso won gold at the Southeast Asian Games last year. However, they found themselves dominated by the Australians. Philippines Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel and the twere was successful in restricting Australia from creating any more chances to score in the second half.
Joining Australia and the Philippines in Group A division in the AFC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 are South Korea and Iran. The two will face each other on Monday, March 2, at the Gold Coast.
