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Sam Kerr congratulates Mary Fowler on her return to the international scoreboard. Both players were returning from ACL injuries, but played big minutes in the tournament.

Asian Cup report card: Where are the Matildas 15 months out from the next World Cup?

Did Australia’s national team live up to expectations? Is making the final good enough? Was the tournament a success?

  • Emma Kemp

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Sam Kerr with Matildas fans on Sunday.

‘We don’t want this feeling again’: Shattered Matildas put on a brave face

Another public reception after another tournament heartbreak. It’s becoming all-too-familiar for Sam Kerr and her team.

  • Vince Rugari
Caitlin Foord and Mary Fowler after the loss to Japan.

‘I need to do better’: Devastated Matildas rue Asian Cup missed opportunity

A team full of tears lamented the toughest pill to swallow from Saturday’s final was the discrepancy between the performance and the result.

  • Emma Kemp
Joe Montemurro and what might have been.

‘Don’t drop your heads’: Montemurro laments Matildas’ latest torment

Joe Montemurro is adamant the Matildas can take away some major positives from their Asian Cup campaign, even though it ended in such emotionally torturous circumstances.

  • Vince Rugari
Sam Kerr.

Two home tournaments, no trophies: Matildas might have missed their window of opportunity

They’ve fallen short at the World Cup and now an Asian Cup - both on Aussie soil. We’re just going to have to remember these Matildas as one of the best teams never to win something.

  • Vince Rugari
Fans at Accor Stadium for the Asian Cup final.

Heartbreak for Matildas as Japan seal narrow win in the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup

The Matildas have the chance to win the Asian Cup title for the first time since 2010 but face one of the world’s best women’s sides in Japan. Kick-off is at 8pm AEDT; follow all the action live.

  • Vince Rugari, Frances Howe and Emma Kemp
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The Matildas celebrate their Asian Cp semi final win.

Matildas show us why it’s time to level playing field for women’s sport

When the Matildas run on the Stadium Australia pitch at 8pm tonight to play in the Asian Cup final, they will be met with a roar from more than 60,000 adoring fans.

  • The Herald's View
Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord celebrate the win.

The only sports star I’ve seen who could rival Sam Kerr’s supernatural sense of timing

Her goal in the Asian Cup semi-final against China again demonstrated the other-worldly quality that sets the Matildas striker apart from mere mortals.

  • Peter FitzSimons
Mary Fowler and Sam Kerr both have lucrative personal brands off the pitch.

The Matildas may not have sold out their Asian Cup matches – but they were winners long before it began

Mary Fowler’s brand is so lucrative that even though her salary is less than half what partner Nathan Cleary earns, she likely takes home far more.

  • Frances Howe
Sam Kerr and the Matildas are one win from lifting the Asian Cup.

Matildas provide rare moment of joy in a sport that keeps sinking to new lows

As FIFA keeps dragging the men’s game into dark places, Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler and co provide a great antidote.

  • Malcolm Knox