The Dream is Still Alive — Matildas vs China PR, AFC Women's Asian Cup Semi-Final

Tonight under the Perth lights, the CommBank Matildas take on defending champions China PR in one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament so far. A place in the AFC Women's Asian Cup Final is on the line, and with it, the chance to lift the trophy on home soil.

With the finish line now within sight, the Tillies step onto Perth Stadium knowing victory tonight would send them into Saturday's decider and keep alive their dream of lifting the AFC Women's Asian Cup trophy on home soil.

The Road Here

The Matildas' path to the semi-final hasn't been without its bumps. The CommBank Matildas went undefeated during the group stage, but their 3-3 draw with Korea Republic on matchday three saw them finish second in Group A. That set up a quarter-final against the formidable North Korea, which the Tillies won 2-1 thanks to goals from Alanna Kennedy and Sam Kerr, secured by a strong defensive performance. 

China, meanwhile, came up against an incredibly resilient Chinese Taipei in the quarter-final. Chinese Taipei took the game into extra time before Shao Ziqin finally broke through in the 94th minute to put China through 2-0. This means they'll be carrying a little extra fatigue into tonight's clash.

The Storylines Writing Themselves

Where do you even start? Emily van Egmond is set to make her 170th national team appearance tonight, overtaking Clare Polkinghorne to become the most-capped Australian player. At 32, she's doing it in the most fitting way possible — in a semi-final, at home, when it matters most.

Then there's the elephant in the room. There will be a familiar face in China PR's dugout: former CommBank Matildas head coach Ante Milicic. The man who guided Australia to the Round of 16 at the 2019 World Cup now sits in the opposite corner, and you'd better believe the Matildas will want to make a statement.

For hometown hero Sam Kerr, the semi-final carries added significance as she leads the Matildas in front of a Perth crowd that has supported her journey from the very beginning. 

The Key Battle

China come into tonight as reigning champions — having won the tournament an astonishing nine times, but they're not at full strength. Wang Shuang, the creative playmaker who scored two goals and an assist in the tournament, will be unavailable for the semi-final due to suspension after accumulating two yellow cards. That's a significant blow for China.

On the flip side, the Matilda's get a boost: Steph Catley and Hayley Raso have both been declared fit to play after missing the quarter-final with injury. Full strength. No excuses. Let's go.

China and Australia have faced each other 44 times in women's international football. Australia have won 13, China 19, with 12 draws. Tonight is a chance to shift that ledger in the most important of circumstances.

Where and How to Watch

The match kicks off at 6:00pm AWST / 9:00pm AEDT at Perth Stadium. Network 10 will deliver live coverage, with Paramount+ streaming every minute exclusively. 

Tonight isn't just a football match. It's the Matildas, on home soil, one win away from a final. Get behind them. 💛💚

AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 | Semi-Final 1 | China PR vs Australia | Perth Stadium | Tuesday 17 March