The Matildas will take on Japan in the final of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup this weekend, as Australia vies to win its first Asian Cup in 16 years.
Japan confirmed its place in the final on Wednesday night with its 4-1 win over South Korea. The Matildas arrive at the final after a 2-1 win over China earlier in the week, with Sam Kerr bringing her trademark magic to tip Australia over the line.
The final will be played in Australia’s biggest sporting stage, Stadium Australia in Sydney on Saturday night. The game starts at 8pm (AEST) and will also be televised on Network 10 and Paramount+.
After their semi-final win, Matildas coach said he was proud of the team but also knew they could perform better.
“Our objective to get to the final is complete,” Matildas coach Joe Montemurro said. “But we know deep down in our hearts we need to be better.
“The patches where we did things right was good. Now it’s about putting it together.”
This will mark the 31st meeting between the two sides since they first played each other back in 1984. Recent history suggests the Matildas are going into this final as underdogs. The two sides have met in the Asian Cup final twice before, Japan won in both 2014 and 2018.
More recently, Japan handed the Matildas a 4-0 defeat at the SheBelieves Cup in early 2025.
But this time around, Australia’s got a massive home crowd advantage over Japan, with tens of thousands of fans expected to pour into Stadium Australia on Saturday.
Fans can expect a headline performance from Aussie musician G Flip.
As for players to watch? Keep your eye on Japan’s Maika Hamano who scored impressively against South Korea to help her team over the line. She’s been one of the most dynamic players in the tournament.
For the Aussies, fan favourites Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord and Mary Fowler will all be fired up on home soil. The Foord–Kerr combination has been the Matildas’ go-to when they need a moment of brilliance.
Key Details:
Matildas vs Japan, Saturday 21 March, 8pm AEDT at Stadium Australia, Sydney.
Watch on free-to-air on Network 10.