Latest news with #AsianWomen'sCup
The Australian
29-07-2025
- Sport
- The Australian
Matildas 2025 Asian Cup Fixtures: Who are Australia playing next?
The Matildas' path to their first Asian Women's Cup victory since 2010 has been set and while they avoid clashing wtih competition front runners in the group stage the road to victory won't be without challenges. As hosts and the third highest ranked Asian team qualified for the 2026 Asian Women's Cup the Matildas couldn't be matched up with top nations Japan or Korea DPR in the group stage. The draw, held in Sydney on Tuesday night, saw Australia drawn into a pool with Korea Republic, Iran and Philippines. Matildas have to finish as the top two team in its group to guarrantee progression to the knockout stages. The two best placed third teams will also progress. The Matildas were drawn alongside Iran, South Korea and the Philippines. Picture: Getty Images It shouldn't be an issue but as seen at recent tournaments - unknown teams - Iran and Philippines can prove difficult for the Matildas to handle. It was South Korea who put an early end to the Matildas 2022 Asian Cup campaign knocking them out with a shock 1-0 win. Several of the Philippines players have starrred in the A-League's Women's in recent seasons and they have most recently been coached by former Matilads coach Alen Stajcic before former Western United Women's coach Mark Torcasso took over. Matildas are desperate to lift the trophy, a feat not achieved in 15 years, especially after coming so close at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and falling dissappointingly short at the 2024 Olympics. New coach Joe Montemurro has just two international windows left to prepare the Matildas for the tournament - which will be hosted by Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney from March 1 The Matildas celebrate winning the 2010 Asian Cup after a penalty shoot out with North Korea. Can the current crop get the job done on home soil? Picture: Supplied The draw was an elaborate event, attended by government officials, AFC representatives, Football Australia interim CEO Heather Garriock, Matildas coach Joe Montemurro and Tom Sermanni – the last coach to guide Australia to victory 15 years ago. There was a cultural dance, unveiling of the competition slogon 'dream fearless' and virtual tour of the three host cities - Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney. COO of the AFC Women's Asian Cup local organising committee Sarah Walsh said 'dream fearless' was more than just a slogon. 'It's a mindset that runs through every part of this tournament,' Walsh said. 'It reflects the courage of players chasing greatness on and off the pitch, the ambition of nations rising together, and the power of football to break barriers. 'This bold new brand captures that energy and sets the stage for a truly inclusive celebration — one that unites communities across Australia, Asia, and beyond through the shared language of the beautiful game, while proudly representing the stories and cultures of First Nations peoples.' EVERY MATILDAS GAME Game 1: v Philippines on March 1 at Optus Stadium, Perth. Game 2: v Iran on March 5 at Cbus Stadium, Gold Coast. Game 3: v South Korea on March 8 at Accor Stadium, Sydney. HOW THE GROUPS LINE UP HOW DID TEAMS QUALIFY? As the host nation the Matildas automatically qualified for the 2026 tournament. China, South Korea and Japan all gained entry as they claimed the top three spots at the 2022 Asian Women's Cup. Vietnam, Taiwan, India and Philippines are back after topping their groups in qualifying. Iran will make a repeat appearance after debuting in 2022. Uzbekistan made the cut for the first time in 23 years and North Korea will make its first appearance since 2010. Bangladesh ranked 128th in the world is the only tournament debutant. HOW THE COMPETITION WORKS? All 12 teams will be divided into three group of four. Each team will play every team in the group once with the top two teams in each group and two best placed third teams progressing to the knock out stages. The final will be held on March 22. WHO WILL BE IN THE MATILDAS SQUAD? New Matildas coach Joe Montemurro will be able to name 23 players for the tournament – a bigger squad than the 18 allowed for the Olympics. It opens the door for fringe players including Charli Grant, Courtney Nevin, Sharn Freier and Tash Prior to really push for a spot in the squad. Sam Kerr is expected to make a return in time for the tournament and Mary Fowler is racing the clock to be fit post her ACL surgery. This will be the first major tournament of Joe Montemurro's tenure as Matildas head coach. Picture: Getty MATILDAS ROAD TO THE ASIAN CUP The Matildas have just two international windows left before the Asian Cup kicks off in March – the first in October and the second in December – they will then not regroup until the tournament. Montemurro is yet to lock in opponents for those windows. With very limited time to get the squad in shape for the tournament who the Matildas play in those windows will be crucial to their preparation. WHERE WILL GAMES BE PLAYED? Matches will be played across three host cities – Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast. Games in Perth will be shared between Optus Stadium and HBF Park. Gold Coast matches will be played at Cbus Stadium. Sydney will host matches at Accor Stadium and CommBank Stadium. Sam Kerr takes a selfie with a fan prior to Australia's friendly against Slovenia at HBF Park in Perth this year. Picture: Getty WHAT'S ON THE LINE? The winners will be crowned Asian Champions – a feat the Matildas haven't achieved since 2010. For the last time the tournament also serves as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup – the top four teams will earn automatic entry to the tournament. The four nations who lose the quarter-finals will then have to play off for the final spots in the World Cup. The top eight teams will gain entry to the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers. PAST WINNERS The Matildas last won the tournament in 2010 - it is their only major tournament win. There were high hopes for the Australian side at the 2022 tournament but they were knocked out by South Korea in the quarter finals. Australia took the runners-up title in 2006, 2018 and 2014. China are the most successful team at the Asian Cup with nine titles. 2022: China 2018: Japan 2014: Japan 2010: Australia 2008: North Korea 2006: China HOW TO BUY TICKETS Tickets are already on sale via Ticketmaster. Fans can purchase a pass to follow the Matildas through the opening three group stage games in Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney – tickets start at $130. There are also options to buy passes for each stadium, a group stage pass, play off pass and finals passes. Finals tickets start at $80. Read related topics: FIFA Women's World Cup 2023
News.com.au
29-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Matildas' Asian Cup Ultimate Guide: Who and where Australia are playing, how to get tickets
The Matildas' path to their first Asian Women's Cup victory since 2010 has been set and while they avoid clashing wtih competition front runners in the group stage the road to victory won't be without challenges. As hosts and the third highest ranked Asian team qualified for the 2026 Asian Women's Cup the Matildas couldn't be matched up with top nations Japan or Korea DPR in the group stage. The draw, held in Sydney on Tuesday night, saw Australia drawn into a pool with Korea Republic, Iran and Philippines. Matildas have to finish as the top two team in its group to guarrantee progression to the knockout stages. The two best placed third teams will also progress. It shouldn't be an issue but as seen at recent tournaments - unknown teams - Iran and Philippines can prove difficult for the Matildas to handle. It was South Korea who put an early end to the Matildas 2022 Asian Cup campaign knocking them out with a shock 1-0 win. Several of the Philippines players have starrred in the A-League's Women's in recent seasons and they have most recently been coached by former Matilads coach Alen Stajcic before former Western United Women's coach Mark Torcasso took over. Matildas are desperate to lift the trophy, a feat not achieved in 15 years, especially after coming so close at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and falling dissappointingly short at the 2024 Olympics. New coach Joe Montemurro has just two international windows left to prepare the Matildas for the tournament - which will be hosted by Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney from March 1 The draw was an elaborate event, attended by government officials, AFC representatives, Football Australia interim CEO Heather Garriock, Matildas coach Joe Montemurro and Tom Sermanni – the last coach to guide Australia to victory 15 years ago. There was a cultural dance, unveiling of the competition slogon 'dream fearless' and virtual tour of the three host cities - Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney. COO of the AFC Women's Asian Cup local organising committee Sarah Walsh said 'dream fearless' was more than just a slogon. 'It's a mindset that runs through every part of this tournament,' Walsh said. 'It reflects the courage of players chasing greatness on and off the pitch, the ambition of nations rising together, and the power of football to break barriers. 'This bold new brand captures that energy and sets the stage for a truly inclusive celebration — one that unites communities across Australia, Asia, and beyond through the shared language of the beautiful game, while proudly representing the stories and cultures of First Nations peoples.' EVERY MATILDAS GAME Game 1: v Philippines on March 1 at Optus Stadium, Perth. Game 2: v Iran on March 5 at Cbus Stadium, Gold Coast. Game 3: v South Korea on March 8 at Accor Stadium, Sydney. HOW THE GROUPS LINE UP HOW DID TEAMS QUALIFY? As the host nation the Matildas automatically qualified for the 2026 tournament. China, South Korea and Japan all gained entry as they claimed the top three spots at the 2022 Asian Women's Cup. Vietnam, Taiwan, India and Philippines are back after topping their groups in qualifying. Iran will make a repeat appearance after debuting in 2022. Uzbekistan made the cut for the first time in 23 years and North Korea will make its first appearance since 2010. Bangladesh ranked 128th in the world is the only tournament debutant. HOW THE COMPETITION WORKS? All 12 teams will be divided into three group of four. Each team will play every team in the group once with the top two teams in each group and two best placed third teams progressing to the knock out stages. The final will be held on March 22. WHO WILL BE IN THE MATILDAS SQUAD? New Matildas coach Joe Montemurro will be able to name 23 players for the tournament – a bigger squad than the 18 allowed for the Olympics. It opens the door for fringe players including Charli Grant, Courtney Nevin, Sharn Freier and Tash Prior to really push for a spot in the squad. Sam Kerr is expected to make a return in time for the tournament and Mary Fowler is racing the clock to be fit post her ACL surgery. MATILDAS ROAD TO THE ASIAN CUP The Matildas have just two international windows left before the Asian Cup kicks off in March – the first in October and the second in December – they will then not regroup until the tournament. Montemurro is yet to lock in opponents for those windows. With very limited time to get the squad in shape for the tournament who the Matildas play in those windows will be crucial to their preparation. WHERE WILL GAMES BE PLAYED? Matches will be played across three host cities – Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast. Games in Perth will be shared between Optus Stadium and HBF Park. Gold Coast matches will be played at Cbus Stadium. Sydney will host matches at Accor Stadium and CommBank Stadium. WHAT'S ON THE LINE? The winners will be crowned Asian Champions – a feat the Matildas haven't achieved since 2010. For the last time the tournament also serves as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup – the top four teams will earn automatic entry to the tournament. The four nations who lose the quarter-finals will then have to play off for the final spots in the World Cup. The top eight teams will gain entry to the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers. PAST WINNERS The Matildas last won the tournament in 2010 - it is their only major tournament win. There were high hopes for the Australian side at the 2022 tournament but they were knocked out by South Korea in the quarter finals. Australia took the runners-up title in 2006, 2018 and 2014. China are the most successful team at the Asian Cup with nine titles. 2022: China 2018: Japan 2014: Japan 2010: Australia 2008: North Korea 2006: China HOW TO BUY TICKETS Tickets are already on sale via Ticketmaster. Fans can purchase a pass to follow the Matildas through the opening three group stage games in Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney – tickets start at $130. There are also options to buy passes for each stadium, a group stage pass, play off pass and finals passes. Finals tickets start at $80.
Straits Times
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Lionesses to regroup after challenging Women's Asian Cup qualifying campaign
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Singapore's Kyra Elise Taylor (left) trying to take the ball off Lebanon's Mya Rose Mhanna in their Asian Women's Cup qualifier fixture on July 19, 2025. SINGAPORE – Four defeats in four games with 13 goals conceded against two scored – the numbers sum up Singapore's tough campaign at the recent Women's Asian Cup qualifying tournament. In Amman, Jordan, the world No. 139 Lionesses finished bottom of Group A with zero points after losing to the hosts (5-0), Iran (4-0), Lebanon (1-0), and Bhutan (3-2). Humbled on the Asian stage, the results have revealed the areas of improvement for Singapore to close the gap with their regional counterparts. Head coach Karim Bencherifa said: 'The team showed tremendous effort and resilience throughout the qualifiers. While the scorelines didn't reflect the full picture, we had competitive moments, especially in the opening match against Bhutan and the final game against Lebanon. 'Despite the challenges, the players showed strong commitment and fought for every minute. These matches exposed areas we need to grow in, particularly physical conditioning and consistency, but also gave us important lessons to build on.' Originally scheduled from June 23 to July 5, the competition was delayed due to the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, forcing the Asian Football Confederation to relocate and reschedule the tournament. The games were subsequently held at the original venue at the King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman from July 7 to 19, after Iran and Israel agreed to a ceasefire. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia At least 19 killed as Bangladesh air force plane crashes into college campus Singapore Subsidies and grants for some 20,000 people miscalculated due to processing issue: MOH Singapore 2 workers stranded on gondola dangling outside Raffles City Tower rescued by SCDF Business Why Singapore and its businesses stand to lose with US tariffs on the region Singapore NTU introduces compulsory cadaver dissection classes for medical students from 2026 Singapore Fine, driving ban for bus driver who hit lorry in BKE crash, causing fractures to passenger Singapore Jail for man who conspired with another to bribe MOH agency employee with $18k Paris trip Singapore New research institute will grow S'pore's talent in nuclear energy, safety But the qualifiers began on a challenging note against 171st-ranked Bhutan, as the Lionesses suffered multiple injuries. Four of their five substitutions were due to injury, leaving the team with only 10 players for about 17 minutes of the match, which Bencherifa said was physically and mentally exhausting. He added: 'The disruptions and injuries had a real impact... That naturally affected our rhythm and limited how we could rotate or manage players in the following matches. Still, the team kept their heads up and stayed committed. 'These challenges exposed the importance of squad depth and physical preparedness, especially in high-level tournaments like this.' As the tournament progressed, Singapore came up against tough opposition, including world No. 68 Iran, who secured a spot in the 2026 Asian Cup in Australia as group winners, and 75th-ranked Jordan. They wrapped up their campaign with a 1-0 loss to world No. 130 Lebanon. Even though the results were not in their favour, captain Siti Rosnani Azman stressed that the team gave their best, while acknowledging that there is much room for improvement. The defender said: 'We tried not to dwell on it so much (on the tough matches and defeats) and pick ourselves up to go again. 'Of course, we do talk about it to clarify certain things but that doesn't stop us from giving our best for the next game.' Rosnani, who earned her 50th cap against Lebanon, said the team also had to adapt to other factors such as the weather, a different time zone and travel. She said: 'It shouldn't be an excuse, but I think as players we need to be able to take good care of ourselves. 'The medical team had been doing their best to keep everyone on top. After getting through the early phase, we managed to handle it well. The ability to adapt is very important and it should start with the player mindset.' Fitness is also a major concern, with Bencherifa noting that several goals were conceded in the final 25 minutes of the matches. Of the 13 goals Singapore let in, six were scored after the 65th minute. The Moroccan said: 'To move forward, we must find ways to better support players in committing to regular physical preparation, recovery, and strength work – not just for performance, but for injury prevention.' Raising the bar in fitness and conditioning is one area that will need to be addressed as Singapore look to catch up to their regional rivals, he said. Gaining more exposure to high-level matches is also essential, he added, as well as creating an environment that allows players to train more consistently with support in nutrition and recovery. Consistency and continuity remain a challenge as they often travel without their full squad due to players' work commitments or other obligations, he noted. For instance, the postponement of the qualifiers left the team without key players such as forward Danelle Tan, who had to attend to mandatory administrative requirements for her transfer to Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza. Despite these challenges, the team are looking ahead to their next major competition – the SEA Games in December. Preparations for the biennial tournament in Thailand will begin after the Women's Premier League ends in August. Bencherifa shared that there are plans for a training camp and high-level international matches in the lead-up to the tournament. He added: 'The goal is to improve not only team cohesion and tactical readiness but also to prepare players holistically – physically, mentally, and emotionally – to compete at the SEA Games level.'
Straits Times
21-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Lionesses to regroup after challenging Asian Women's Cup qualifier
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Singapore's Kyra Elise Taylor (left) trying to take the ball off Lebanon's Mya Rose Mhanna in their Asian Women's Cup qualifier fixture on July 19, 2025. SINGAPORE – Four defeats in four games with13 goals conceded against two scored – the numbers sum up Singapore's tough campaign at the recent Asian Women's Cup qualifying tournament. In Amman, Jordan, the world No. 139 Lionesses finished bottom of Group A with zero points after losing to the hosts (0-5), Iran (0-4), Lebanon (0-1), and Bhutan (2-3). Humbled on the Asian stage, the results have revealed the areas of improvement for Singapore to close the gap with their regional counterparts. Head coach Karim Bencherifa said: 'The team showed tremendous effort and resilience throughout the qualifiers. While the scorelines didn't reflect the full picture, we had competitive moments, especially in the opening match against Bhutan and the final game against Lebanon. 'Despite the challenges, the players showed strong commitment and fought for every minute. These matches exposed areas we need to grow in, particularly physical conditioning and consistency, but also gave us important lessons to build on.' Originally scheduled from June 23 to July 5, the competition was delayed due to the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, forcing the Asian Football Confederation to relocate and reschedule the tournament. The games were subsequently held at the original venue at the King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman from July 7 to 19, after Iran and Israel agreed to a ceasefire. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Subsidies and grants for some 20,000 people miscalculated due to processing issue: MOH Singapore 2 workers stranded on gondola dangling outside Raffles City Tower rescued by SCDF Business Why Singapore and its businesses stand to lose with US tariffs on the region Singapore Medallions with Singapore Botanic Gardens' iconic landmarks launched to mark milestone-filled year Life WP chairwoman Sylvia Lim to publish memoir with Epigram Books in 2027 Business $1.1 billion allocated to three fund managers to boost Singapore stock market: MAS Singapore Jail for man who conspired with another to bribe MOH agency employee with $18k Paris trip Singapore Jail, caning for man who held metal rod to cashier's neck in failed robbery attempt But the tournament began on a challenging note for Singapore against 171st-ranked Bhutan, as the Lionesses suffered multiple injuries. Four of their five substitutions were due to injury, leaving the team with only 10 players for about 17 minutes of the match, which Bencherifa said was physically and mentally exhausting. He added: 'The disruptions and injuries had a real impact... That naturally affected our rhythm and limited how we could rotate or manage players in the following matches. Still, the team kept their heads up and stayed committed. 'These challenges exposed the importance of squad depth and physical preparedness, especially in high level tournaments like this.' As the tournament progressed, Singapore came up against tough opposition, including world No. 68 Iran, who secured a spot in the 2026 Asian Cup in Australia as group winners, and 75th-ranked Jordan. They wrapped up their campaign with a 1-0 loss to world No. 130 Lebanon. Even though the results were not in their favour, captain Siti Rosnani Azman stressed that the team gave their best, while acknowledging that there is much room for improvement. The defender said: 'We tried not to dwell on it so much (on the tough matches and defeats) and pick ourselves up to go again. 'Of course, we do talk about it to clarify certain things but that doesn't stop us from giving our best for the next game.' Rosnani, who earned her 50th cap against Lebanon, said the team also had to adapt to other factors such as the weather, a different time zone and travel. She said: 'It shouldn't be an excuse, but I think as players we need to be able to take good care of ourselves. 'The medical team had been doing their best to keep everyone on top. After getting through the early phase, we managed to handle it well. The ability to adapt is very important and it should start with the player mindset.' Fitness is also a major concern, with Bencherifa noting that several goals were conceded in the final 25 minutes of the matches. Of the 13 goals Singapore let in, six were scored after the 65th minute. Bencherifa said: 'To move forward, we must find ways to better support players in committing to regular physical preparation, recovery, and strength work – not just for performance, but for injury prevention.' Raising the bar in fitness and conditioning is one area that will need to be addressed as Singapore look to catch up to their regional rivals, said the Moroccan. Gaining more exposure to high-level matches is also essential, he added, as well as creating an environment that allows players to train more consistently with support in nutrition and recovery. Consistency and continuity remain a challenge as they often travel without their full squad due to players' work commitments or other obligations, he noted. For instance, the postponement of the qualifiers left the team without key players such as forward Danelle Tan, who had to attend to mandatory administrative requirements for her transfer to Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza. Despite these challenges, the team are looking ahead to their next major competition – the SEA Games in December. Preparations for the biennial tournament in Thailand will begin after the Women's Premier League in August. Bencherifa shared that there are plans for a training camp and high-level international matches in the lead-up to the tournament. He added: 'The goal is to improve not only team cohesion and tactical readiness but also to prepare players holistically – physically, mentally, and emotionally – to compete at the SEA Games level.'
Hindustan Times
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Thailand are beatable, we can go to Australia: Crispin Chhetri
Kolkata: The thing about FIFA rankings is that they can conceal as much as they reveal. At 46, Thailand top the 2026 AFC Asian Women's Cup qualifiers but it is Timor-Leste, Mongolia and Iraq that worry Crispin Chhetri just as much. Because the India head coach said he has 'zero idea' about them. India women's football team head coach Crispin Chhetri. (AIFF) Explains why Chhetri said that rankings can be tricky, referencing India's losses to Bangladesh and Nepal in the 2024 SAFF Championship to embellish the point. At 70, India are ranked second in the group from which only the winners will go to the finals in Australia next March. India haven't qualified on merit since 2003, Thailand played the 2019 World Cup but Chhetri, who turned 50 on Friday, is not ruling out an upset. 'I think if the players believe in themselves, Thailand are beatable,' said Chhetri. 'Right now, we have started thinking that we could go to Australia.' The comment fits into the positive attitude Chhetri is trying to inculcate. 'I try to instill not to fear losing. Because the day you stop fearing losses is when you will be successful.' India open against Mongolia on Monday, play Iraq on June 29, Timor-Leste on July 2 and Thailand on July 5. All matches will be at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Chhetri speaks softly but not without steel, especially when he makes the point about India qualifying for the finals. He will need all of it and then some if India are to meet his target of making the 48-team 2031 World Cup. 'I think we have a realistic chance,' he said, in a virtual call on Saturday. The squad is being built with 2031 in mind, Chhetri said, explaining the omission of goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan and defenders Ashalata Devi and Dalima Chhibber. Together, they have a combined experience of 212 internationals. All three played in the 2024-25 Indian Women's League (IWL) won comprehensively by East Bengal. 'It is not about form,' said Chhetri. But they are no longer automatic starters, he said. 'Why should I block the place of a junior player? We are looking to build a core that will serve India for the next 10 years.' The squad in Chiang Mai has 'senior players but at the same time, younger players who are hungry. So, there is both drive and control.' Soumya Guguloth scored nine goals in IWL, the most by an Indian, and in Manisha Kalyan India have a forward who plays for PAOK in Greece. Kalyan, 23, joined the preparatory camp straight after the European season. Manisha is mentally very strong which explains why she has been able to stay in Europe for three seasons while others have not lasted more than one, said Chhetri. India trained in Bengaluru for nearly 40 days, played two friendlies (both 0-1 defeats to Uzbekistan) and will have been in Thailand one week before their opener. The one thing he would have liked was an exposure tour ahead of the qualifiers but Chhetri said he gave players a fortnight off because they needed a break after IWL. That, and avoiding injuries. Defender Astam Oraon, India captain in the under-17 World Cup, has just returned from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and along with forwards Sandhiya Ranganathan, Renu and Karishma Shirvoikar are unavailable on fitness grounds. Ranganathan will be missed, said Chhetri. Like Manolo Marquez with the senior men's team, Chhetri has been juggling responsibilities for Odisha FC and India. As per his contracts with the club and All India Football Federation, it will be that way till February 2026. Odisha FC, champions under Chhetri in 2023-24, being relegated this time – injuries hurt us and we paid for not planning for a strong bench, he said – also means the qualifiers are an opportunity to salvage his reputation.
