Filipinas Fall 1-0 to Australia's Matildas in Asian Cup 2026 Opener — But They Made Them Work For It
The Philippine Women's National Football Team — the Filipinas — opened their 2026 Asian Cup campaign with a tough 1-0 loss to host Australia's Matildas in front of 44,379 fans at Optus Stadium in Perth. But unlike the 8-0 thrashing the last time these teams met in 2023, the Filipinas showed just how far they've come.
Australia coach Joe Montemurro had warned that the Philippines were "vastly improved," and that prediction proved accurate. The Filipinas pressed hard and physical, disrupting the Matildas' rhythm for the first 14 minutes before Sam Kerr broke the deadlock with a classic poacher's header off a Caitlin Foord assist from Clare Wheeler's cross.
Despite Australia dominating 88% of possession in the first half, the scoreline stayed at 1-0 thanks largely to Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, who was having the game of her life. McDaniel made save after save, denying shots from Kerr, Foord, and Steph Catley's on-target free kick.
The Filipinas even fashioned their own period of sustained possession in the second half — enough to get Montemurro on his feet for what felt like the first time. The anticipated hat tricks and blowout never materialized, with Australia's finishing letting them down against a disciplined Philippine defense.
While the result is a loss, the performance was a massive moral victory for the Filipinas. Holding the tournament favorites to a single goal in their own backyard signals that Philippine women's football is on the rise. The team will look to carry this defensive resolve into their remaining group matches.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
