The countdown to the Women’s Asian Cup is officially on, with just over a month remaining until the tournament kicks off in Perth. Matildas captain Sam Kerr is eager to represent Australia in her hometown, where the opening match will take place on March 1, 2024. Her parents, Roger and Roxanne Kerr, expressed their excitement about the event and their daughter’s role in it.
The tournament will be held at Optus Stadium, featuring a total of ten matches, including three group games for powerhouses like Japan, two quarter-finals, and a semi-final. The opening match will see Australia face off against The Philippines, which is expected to draw a large crowd. The trophy will also begin a national tour, starting at Scarborough Beach on Friday.
Kerr’s mother, Roxanne, noted that her daughter is thrilled at the prospect of playing in front of family and friends. “She loves playing here, and she hardly ever gets to come home, so it will be great to see everyone,” she said. The Matildas have not won an Asian Cup since 2010, when a young Kerr scored in the final against North Korea, leading Australia to victory.
The Matildas’ quest for silverware is palpable, especially since the team has not secured any major titles since that tournament. Roger emphasized the importance of this opportunity for his daughter, saying, “Sam sees this as a chance to grab that silverware. It would put the icing on the cake for all the hard work the girls have done over the years.”
After a challenging period marked by a significant knee injury, Kerr is finally returning to form with her club, Chelsea FC. Roger highlighted her progress, stating, “She’s playing every week now, so she’s back to full strength.” Kerr’s mother added that she is also embracing her new role as a mother to baby Jagger, alongside her wife, Kristie Mewis. “She’s a fun parent, and they’re both wonderful, happy parents,” Roxanne noted.
The last encounter between Australia and The Philippines at Optus Stadium ended in an emphatic 8-0 victory for the Matildas, with Kerr scoring a hat-trick. This impressive record has not gone unnoticed by the opposition. “Their coach has jokingly asked if Sam could lay off a little bit,” Roxanne shared with a laugh.
Sarah Walsh, Chief Operating Officer for Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, encouraged fans to secure their tickets early, especially for the opening match, which will feature a performance by K-Pop star Audrey Nuna. Walsh expressed confidence in Kerr’s enthusiasm for playing at home, stating, “I’ve never seen her so passionate. This might be her last major tournament on home soil, and she wants to see this succeed.”
As the tournament approaches, the excitement surrounding the Matildas and their captain continues to grow. With the hopes of a nation resting on their shoulders, Kerr and her teammates are determined to make a significant impact at the Women’s Asian Cup, aiming to bring home a trophy that has eluded them for over a decade.
