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The Matildas are into the AFC Women’s Asian Cup final after a 2–1 win over China. It wasn’t always pretty, but when the moment came, the Foord–Kerr combination delivered.
Now, with a final against Japan in Sydney just days away, Australia is one win from its first title since 2010.
When is the Matildas Asian Cup Final?
Date: Saturday, 21 March 2026
Time: 8:00pm AEDT
Location: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Opponent: Japan
Australia will face Japan in the final after they defeated South Korea in the second semi-final in Sydney.
How to Watch the Matildas Asian Cup Final
TV: Network 10 (live)
Streaming: 10 Play, Paramount+
All Matildas matches in the tournament are available free-to-air, with full coverage also streaming online.
How Australia Beat China
Australia struck first through Caitlin Foord, finishing a sharp move after Ellie Carpenter broke forward and Mary Fowler cut it back to give the Matildas early control.
China responded soon after, capitalising on a defensive mistake and converting from the penalty spot to level things before half-time.
The second half never really opened up. China had a few moments, and Australia couldn’t quite get control of the game, struggling to turn possession into clear chances.
The breakthrough came just before the hour mark, when Foord slipped a perfectly weighted pass through to Sam Kerr, who rounded the goalkeeper and somehow found the finish from a near-impossible angle to restore the lead.
What to Expect in the Women’s Asian Cup Final
The Matildas will face Japan in the final, after they powered past South Korea 4–1 in Sydney, putting together one of their most complete performances of the tournament.
Japan comes in as the standout defensive side with an almost clean sheet until they conceded their first goal of the tournament in the semi-final. But with a whopping 28 goals in the tournament so far, they can punish mistakes going forward. They’ve also had the edge over our girls in big moments, including the 2014 and 2018 finals.
That sets up a very different kind of challenge. Australia has found ways to win throughout this tournament, but breaking down a side as organised as Japan will be their biggest test yet.
It hasn’t been dominant, but what Australia does have is momentum and adaptability. They’ve found victory even when it hasn’t gone to plan, leaning on players like Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord when it matters most.
Now, with a home final in Sydney, they’ve got a real chance to finish it.
How Much Prize Money Will the Women’s Asian Cup Winners Receive?
Some, but not enough. The total prize pool for winning the Women’s Asian Cup hasn’t increased since it was introduced at the 2022 tournament, at $USD1.8 million (approx. $AUD2.7million). This total is only distributed among the top four finishers, with the winners expected to receive $USD1 million.
Meanwhile, the men’s 2023 Asian Cup featured a total prize pool of $USD14.8 million – more than eight times larger than the women’s tournament, with winners Qatar pocketing around $USD5 million.
Despite players’ pleas for “respect” ahead of the tournament, the AFC confirmed earlier this year it had no plans to increase the prize pool for female players.
“At this stage, the revenue generated by the AFC Women’s Asian Cup is still growing, and we aim to reach a sustainable point where prize money increases are backed by commercial success,” an AFC spokesperson said ahead of the tournament. “We are actively working to close this gap by enhancing the visibility and marketability of the women’s game.”
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