PERTH, Australia — The Australian Matildas are expected to put on a good show with the return from injury of one of their star players, Sam Kerr.
But the Philippine national women’s football team is ready to put up a fight as they begin their quest for a spot in next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Their clash with the Matildas is set at 5 p.m. (Manila time), following the opening ceremony and the first match between Australia and the Philippines at the 60,000-seat Perth Stadium, marking the start of the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup.
“I think we’ve adjusted to the climate and the time. Australia likes to put on a show in the summer,” said coach Mark Torcaso during a pre-match press conference at the stadium on Victoria Park Drive in Burswood.
The Filipinas are seeking to become one of the four semifinalists who will automatically qualify for the World Cup. If not, they will still have a chance, as the losing quarterfinalists will contest two playoff matches on the Gold Coast for the remaining two tickets to Brazil.
So far, the sunny, clear and gusty weather along the southwestern coast of the Australian continent is something the Filipinas have grown accustomed to over the past couple of days.
With conditions similar to what they experienced while preparing back home in Balesin Island and at the SM Sky Pitch, the Filipinas are fired up and ready for whatever challenges the Matildas will throw at them.
“The weather’s been good. The girls have been adjusting,” remarked Torcaso, with the encounter marking the Philippines’ second meeting with the Matildas.
The clash comes three years after their meeting at the 2023 World Cup, made possible through the Philippine Football Federation with the support of the Philippine Sports Commission.
In their last encounter, the Matildas came away with an 8-0 victory over the Filipinas during the 2023 Olympic Qualifiers.
This time, the Matildas are about to begin their first major competitive campaign under new leadership, with skipper Sam Kerr returning since the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“We are excited to get to the pitch, to be honest. It’s a different journey to get here,” said coach Joe Montemurro, who took over in June 2025, as he continues to finalize his roster against the Filipinas.
The Matildas boast world-class talent, including Kerr, Caitlin Foord and Mary Fowler.
The Filipinas, meanwhile, have momentum on their side after coming off a gold medal finish at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in late 2025.
The experience of goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel is expected to anchor the defensive end, along with Hali Long and Angela Beard, while returning stars Katrina Guillou and Carleigh Frilles provide added firepower.
On the other side, Matildas returnees like Holly McNamara, Michelle Heyman and Alex Chidiac are competing for spots alongside eight newcomers, including goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln and Winona Heatley.
Lincoln replaced Teagan Micah, who recently suffered a concussion.
