Hosts Australia overcame a fighting Philippines 1-0 to open their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 campaign on a rousing note in Perth on Sunday.
The only goal came in the 14th minute at Optus Stadium, where 44,379 fans watched hometown forward Sam Kerr head in from close range.
The move began with Clare Wheeler’s cross drifting to the back post. Caitlin Foord rose highest and directed her header back across goal, allowing Kerr to nod home from four yards out.
It was Kerr’s 70th international goal and a welcome sight for supporters, with the 32-year-old completing the full 90 minutes in just her second appearance on home soil since the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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Australia, however, were made to work for the result. The hosts struggled to extend their advantage and lacked fluency for long spells but ultimately secured the three points to begin their tournament on solid footing.
“I think I’m just finding my confidence again. I’m still my normal self, I’ve just got to get more touches in and around the box,” Kerr told Paramount Plus after the match.
“We’re just taking it one game at a time. Today was a good start and there’s lots of belief in the team but, as you saw, there are a lot of quality teams in the Asian Cup.”
Foord acknowledged the narrow margin of victory: “We would have loved to get a few more goals but credit to the Philippines, they worked really hard to keep us out. Our goal today was just to get the win and get the job done, so we’re happy with it.”
Australia next face the Islamic Republic of Iran women’s national football team in their second group match on March 5.
