The tournament marked one month to go until a once-in-a-lifetime opening night — with a show-stopping Opening Ceremony starring global phenomenon Audrey Nuna, from K-Pop Demon Hunters, before the Matildas face the Philippines in the blockbuster tournament opener at Perth Stadium on 1 March.

To celebrate the milestone against a spectacular WA coastline, the tournament officially launched the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ Trophy Road Trip, giving fans rare public access to one of world football’s most prestigious prizes.

The Trophy Road Trip launch brought together Chief Operating Officer of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Sarah Walsh, Philippines Head Coach Mark Torcaso, Roger and Roxanne Kerr — parents of Matildas captain Sam Kerr, Captain of the First Matildas Pat O’Connor, alongside WA Minister for Sport and Recreation, Rita Safiotti, and tournament mascot Naara, marking the start of the trophy’s journey across the county.

Following the formalities, the beach came to life as hundreds of people came together to enjoy cultural entertainment, food, music and interactive activities — offering a taste of the vibrant atmosphere fans can expect when the tournament delivers the biggest celebration of women’s football in Asia.

The milestone will also be marked across fellow host cities, with Surfers Paradise’s iconic surfboard clock set to display the one-month countdown from Sunday, 1 Feb, while a banner-towing aircraft will sweep along the Gold Coast’s famous coastline carrying a Women’s Asian Cup “One Month to Go” message. Meanwhile, in Sydney, the city’s bespoke Host City poster will be launched with a vibrant new mural unveiled on Elizabeth Street in Surry Hills, near the bustling Central Station precinct.

Following today’s launch in Perth, the Trophy Road Trip will criss-cross the country over the coming weeks, bringing the tournament to life in iconic locations across all three host cities.

From Perth, the trophy will make a special trip east to Sydney, where it will be displayed at the nation’s highest office, with the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn, hosting the trophy at Admiralty House. It will then travel north into Queensland, stopping at Snapper Rocks, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and Queen Street Mall, before returning to New South Wales for a series of unmissable moments — riding the Manly Ferry, visiting the Blue Mountains, and taking in Maroubra Beach.

The trophy will then return to Western Australia, visiting Busselton, Margaret River and Rottnest Island, before taking centre stage at Perth Stadium ahead of a once-in-a-generation opening night — combining a live, in-stadium exclusive performance from Audrey Nuna with the highly anticipated Matildas clash against the Philippines — setting the stage for the biggest and boldest AFC Women’s Asian Cup in history.

Quote attributable to Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells “In just one month our beloved Matildas will be centre stage doing what they do best - bringing Australians together a

nd inspiring the next generation, especially women and girls. “The Matildas united Australians at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, and the Albanese Government is backing them again with a $15 million investment to support the AFC Women's Asian Cup.

“This investment builds on our $200 million Play Our Way program which is giving women and girls across Australia more opportunities to access, participate and stay involved in sport and physical activity.”

Quote attributable to Chief Operating Officer of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Sarah Walsh:

“This moment captures exactly what this tournament is about — bringing communities together, celebrating our diversity and uniting the nation through the power of women’s football. With one month to go, the energy and momentum are building rapidly towards a truly landmark opening night here in Perth, headlined by global star Audrey Nuna of KPop Demon Hunters, and featuring a worldclass clash between the Matildas and the Philippines. The Trophy Road Trip gives fans across the country the opportunity to be part of that journey. We will be staging a record-breaking edition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and with tickets selling fast, now is the time for fans to secure their seats and be part of history.”

Quote attributable WA Minister for Sport and Recreation Rita Saffioti below: “With just one month to go until the AFC Women’s Asian Cup kicks off in Perth, we’re gearing up for a spectacular opening ceremony, including a live performance from K-pop star Audrey Nuna.

“Fans will also have the chance to see the Women’s Asian Cup trophy up close as it tours Perth and Regional Western Australia in the lead-up to the event, helping build excitement right across the community.

“This tournament highlights Western Australia’s proven ability to deliver world-class events and will showcase our beautiful state to millions of viewers around the world.”

Quote attributable to NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper:

“With only a month to go, our iconic Harbour City is gearing up to welcome thousands of fans, teams and officials from across the country and the Asia Pacific to experience the very best Sydney has to offer. “As the nation’s home of football, we are incredibly excited to be hosting two Quarter-finals, a Semi-final, the Final and an all-important Matildas group match. The AFC Women’s Asian Cup will showcase why Sydney is renowned as one of the world’s great stages for international sporting experiences.”

Quote attributable to QLD Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell:

“Excitement is building as Queensland prepares to host a major women’s football tournament that will boost tourism and the visitor economy.

“Welcoming Asia’s top women footballers puts Queensland on centre stage and showcases the destinations and experiences that set our state apart. “This event will deliver unforgettable sporting moments while promoting Queensland’s iconic landscapes, culture, and lifestyle to millions across Asia. “Beyond world class football, this tournament will drive visitor spending, support jobs and strengthen Queensland’s reputation as a premier events destination.”

Quote attributable to Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate: “A special piece of silverware is arriving on the Gold Coast next week, in the shape of the Trophy for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. “This tournament will shine a huge spotlight on our city as a place where magic happens. We boast world-class facilities, support services and a fantastic year-round climate, ideal for global football. Let’s get behind the mighty Matildas and wave the green ‘n gold.’’