From World Cup Euphoria to Olympic Despair: The Matildas' Tumultuous Path to Asian Cup 2026
The Matildas, Australia's national women's football team, have experienced a dramatic journey over the past three years, marked by soaring highs and crushing lows. As they prepare to host the Women's Asian Cup in 2026, this timeline captures the pivotal moments that have shaped their narrative, from the 2023 World Cup mania to recent challenges and renewed hopes.
2023: A New Era Begins with World Cup Mania
In July 2023, the Matildas co-hosted the Women's World Cup, igniting nationwide excitement and capturing the hearts of Australians. Despite the absence of star player Sam Kerr in the group stage due to injury, the team rallied under stand-in captain Steph Catley, who scored a penalty against Ireland. The tournament culminated in a historic penalty shootout victory over France, one of the sporting highlights of the year, though they fell to Sweden in the third-place play-off. This period, known as Matildas mania, signaled a transformative moment for Australian football.
By October, the momentum continued with Olympic qualifying success in Perth. The Matildas secured a ticket to the Paris Games, showcasing both promising performances from emerging players and stellar football from established stars like Caitlin Foord, who delivered an attacking masterclass. Packed stadiums demonstrated sustained public support, keeping the team's spirits high.
2024: Setbacks and Scandals Test Resilience
January 2024 brought devastating news as Sam Kerr suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a Chelsea training camp, ruling her out for the Olympics. The timeline for her recovery became a focal point of concern, with hopes pinned on her return before the 2026 Asian Cup.
In March, Kerr faced further turmoil when she was charged with racially aggravated harassment of a London police officer following a 2023 taxi dispute. The unexpected legal battle cast uncertainty over her role as the face of the Matildas and impacted the team's dynamics, with Football Australia caught off guard by the revelations.
The Paris Olympics in June proved disastrous for the Matildas. Without Kerr, they managed only one win in the group stage—a last-minute comeback against Zambia—and suffered heavy defeats to Germany and the USA. This poor performance led to the end of coach Tony Gustavsson's tumultuous reign, highlighting the need for fresh leadership and strategic changes.
2025: Legal Resolutions and Coaching Shifts
February 2025 saw a mix of relief and challenge. Kerr was found not guilty of the harassment charges, but Football Australia hesitated to reinstate her as captain, with Steph Catley continuing in the role. During the SheBelieves Cup, humiliating losses to Japan, the United States, and Colombia under interim coach Tom Sermanni exposed the team's limitations, prolonging the search for a permanent coach.
In April, another blow struck as Mary Fowler, a breakout star from the World Cup, ruptured her ACL while playing for Manchester City. This injury sidelined her for the rest of the year, jeopardizing her availability for the Asian Cup and underscoring the physical toll on key players.
June brought stability with the appointment of Joe Montemurro as head coach, ending a 10-month wait. Montemurro, an Australia-born coach with strong credentials, faced the immediate task of preparing for the Asian Cup with limited time. The Matildas celebrated Sermanni's farewell with a convincing friendly win against Argentina, signaling a positive transition.
The Montemurro era began with mixed results from June to October, including a surprise defeat to Panama and a narrow victory secured by Charli Grant's stoppage-time goal. Kerr returned as captain, contributing to a late win over Wales, but a chastening defeat to England revealed the scale of the challenge ahead.
In November, Fowler made headlines by releasing a memoir detailing mental health struggles and racism allegations during her time at Montpellier in 2022, though the club denied the claims. This off-field distraction added to the team's turbulent year.
By November-December, the Matildas ended on a high note, sweeping New Zealand in two matches. Stalwarts like Hayley Raso and Ellie Carpenter scored, while Kerr made her first home start in 763 days, boosting confidence and ticket sales for the upcoming Asian Cup.
2026: Asian Cup Aspirations Amid Uncertainty
As March 2026 approaches, the Matildas stand at another crossroads with the Women's Asian Cup on home soil. The initial mania has faded, but hope persists. With just nine months under Montemurro, the team faces a tough group including the Philippines, Iran, and South Korea—the latter having knocked them out in the previous tournament. The golden generation, led by figures like Kerr and Fowler, seeks to finally claim silverware, navigating years of upheaval and distraction to reignite national pride.
This journey from World Cup euphoria to Olympic despair underscores the resilience and evolving identity of the Matildas, as they aim to capitalize on home advantage and secure a historic victory in the Asian Cup.
