Philippines Set for AFC Women’s Asian Cup Opener vs. Australia

PERTH (Azat TV) – The Philippine national women’s football team is set to kick off its AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ campaign on Sunday, March 1, 2026, facing tournament co-host Australia in the highly anticipated opener. The match will take place at Perth Stadium in Perth, Australia, starting at 5:00 PM AWST (8:00 PM AEDT), marking a significant moment for both nations as they vie for continental glory.

This opening fixture pits the Philippines against the formidable CommBank Matildas on their home soil, presenting an immediate test for the Filipinas. The AFC Women’s Asian Cup is the continent’s premier women’s football tournament, and a strong start is crucial for any team aiming for success.

Philippines to Face Matildas in Tournament Opener

The clash between the Philippines and Australia’s CommBank Matildas is not just the tournament opener but also a key fixture for both squads. For Australia, it represents the start of their bid for continental glory in front of a home crowd. For the Philippines, it’s an opportunity to make a statement early in the competition against one of the region’s powerhouse teams. The match is scheduled for Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Perth Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue known for hosting major sporting events.

The Philippine Football Federation will be among the international broadcasters making the match accessible to fans in the Philippines, ensuring that supporters can follow their national team’s journey from home. This widespread coverage underscores the growing interest and investment in women’s football across Asia and globally.

Global Broadcast Details for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup

Fans across Australia and worldwide will have extensive options to watch and listen to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ matches, including the Philippines’ opening game. In Australia, Network 10 will provide live coverage of all CommBank Matildas matches on its main channel, while Paramount+ will serve as the exclusive streaming home for every match of the tournament. Additionally, Football Australia and the ABC have partnered to offer live audio broadcasts via ABC Sport and ABC Listen, covering a minimum of 17 matches, including all Matildas and knockout fixtures.

International viewers will also have broad access through various broadcasters. For fans in AFC territories, options include Tapmad, iQIYI, Sportcast, HOY TV, FanCode, Vision+, DAZN, Coupang Play, M Plus Live & TDM, Astro, and the Philippine Football Federation for the Philippines. European audiences can tune in via Sportklub, OneFootball, ArenaSport, PLAY DIEMA XTRA, Sportdigital FUSSBALL, Sport5, QUEST Media, ESPN, D-Smart, and TVStart depending on their region. The Americas will see coverage from Star+ and ESPN, while African viewers can access matches through Bein Sports & Alkass and AzamTV. In Oceania, PacificAusTV will broadcast the tournament.

Significance of the Philippines’ Continental Campaign

Participation in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is a significant milestone for the Philippines, highlighting their continued development and presence on the international football stage. Competing against top Asian nations, especially in a tournament hosted by a strong contender like Australia, provides invaluable experience and exposure for the team. The opening match against the Matildas is not just about points but also about setting a tone for their campaign and demonstrating their capabilities to a global audience.

The extensive broadcast arrangements reflect the increasing commercial and public interest in women’s football. With matches accessible via television, streaming platforms, and radio, the tournament is poised to reach a wide demographic, further elevating the profile of the sport and its athletes. For the Philippines, this tournament offers a crucial platform to build on past performances and solidify their standing in Asian women’s football.

The opening match against the tournament co-host Australia represents a pivotal moment for the Philippine national women’s football team, offering an immediate gauge of their competitive readiness and a significant platform for national pride on a continental stage.