Asian Cup report card: Where are the Matildas 15 months out from the next World Cup?

March 23, 2026 — 7:30pm

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The Women’s Asian Cup is done, the Matildas came close but fell just short again, and the post-mortems have begun.

So, did Australia’s national team live up to expectations? What does this tournament say about where they are 15 months out from the next World Cup? And can the tournament in general be considered a success?

Is making the final good enough?

Absolutely. The definition of a pass mark really is subjective, but reaching the semi-finals – and securing direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup – had to be the bare minimum.

Some might say even the semi-finals is not really up to the required standard, given the Matildas’ 2022 quarter-final exit was so below par. Others would point out that Australia are the third-ranked Asian nation, behind champions Japan and North Korea (who they beat in the quarters), rendering the final four in line with their continental position.

If the latter is the case, then making the final is punching above their weight. Arguably even more so given the context. Joe Montemurro was appointed as coach less than a year ago and had very limited time to prepare for a major home tournament.

Add to this that the Matildas matched Japan on the field and, on another day with more precise finishing, could have lifted the trophy. These are all encouraging signs 15 months out from the World Cup in Brazil.

Montemurro preferred to focus on Australia’s talent per capita.

“We’re Australian,” he said. “I grew up in this country. We like to make sure that we’re going to win the thing, you know what I mean? And you have to go in with that positivity and with that idea, and it’s not wrong to expect........

© The Sydney Morning Herald