Matildas book AFC Asian Cup final spot, bookies predicting glory
Australia’s golden generation is one win away from continental glory after the Matildas defeated China 2-1 to book their place in the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup final, with captain Sam Kerr once again delivering on the big stage.
In a tense semi-final in Perth, the Matildas struck first through Caitlin Foord before China levelled from the penalty spot following a challenge by goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold. With the match finely poised, Kerr produced a moment of class in the second half, rounding the keeper and finishing from a tight angle to seal the victory.
Kerr’s decisive strike marking her fourth goal of the tournament and underlining her status as the team’s go-to match-winner. This is despite the Chelsea star having only recently returned to the game following a knee reconstruction.
Heading into the semi-final, football betting sites had China as slight favourites to win given their pedigree as reigning champions, with Australia drifting as outsiders in some markets. However, the Matildas defied those odds with a composed and resilient performance to reach the decider.
Attention now turns to the final in Sydney, set to be played on March 21 at Stadium Australia, where the Matildas will face either Japan or South Korea.
Japan looms as the likely opponent and is heavily backed at 1.36 with international betting sites to win their semi-final, while South Korea has emerged as the tournament’s surprise packet after an impressive run to the last four.
In outright markets, Australia has firmed into 2.00 to win the Asian Cup, narrowly ahead of Japan at 2.25, highlighting just how open the final shapes up to be.
For the Matildas, it represents a chance to secure their first Asian Cup title since 2010 and finally convert years of near-misses into silverware on home soil.
