Matildas vs Philippines Preview

<p>The wait is almost over. <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/tips-predictions-soccer/womens-asian-cup-preview-2026">The 2026 Women's Asian Cup</a> arrives on Australian soil this weekend, and the Matildas are ready and waiting to ignite the nation once again.</p> <p>There is something undeniably special about a major tournament on home turf. Memories of the 2023 World Cup Down Under are still fresh in the collective consciousness of Australian football fans, and now, Joe Montemurro's side has the chance to write a new chapter in Aussie Football history.</p> <p>It all begins in Perth, where the Matildas face a rapidly improving Philippines side in their opening Group A encounter.</p> <p>Start as you mean to go will no doubt be the mantra here for the Tillies as they look to lay down a marker for the rest of the continent.</p> <p>Meanwhile the Philippines will be desperate to spoil the party and prove their own credentials as a rising power in Asian football.</p> <p>For the latest analysis, odds, betting tips and predictions ahead of this <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/afc-womens-asian-cup/afc-ladies-asian-cup/afc-women-s-asian-cup-2026-outrights-10015950">Women’s Asian Cup</a> curtain raiser, check out our Matildas vs Philippines preview below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Matildas vs Philippines Preview</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Opening games of major tournaments can often be cagey affairs. Nerves play a part, and teams are often more afraid of losing than they are desperate to win in the early stages.</p> <p>However, the gap in quality between these two sides, combined with the home advantage, should see the Tillies take control early.</p> <p>The Philippines should defend bravely early doors and could make it difficult for the first half-hour or so.</p> <p>They are organised enough to punish any Australian complacency. However, the Matildas simply have too much firepower. Names like Kerr, Fowler and Carpenter if selected will be ready to pounce on any goalscoring opportunities.</p> <p>Once the deadlock is broken, the game should open up, allowing Australia's superior fitness and depth to shine through.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Matildas vs Philippines Betting Tips and Predictions</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>A quick look at the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/afc-womens-asian-cup/afc-ladies-asian-cup/australia-w-v-philippines-w--10190721">H2H odds</a> more than illustrates the perceived gap in quality between these two nations.</p> <p>At the time of writing, the Philippines are a whopping 36.00* to spring an opening game upset on the unsuspecting Tillies.</p> <p>In their defence, the Philippines have improved drastically in recent years, but overcoming the Matildas in Perth is surely going to be a mountain too high for them to scale at this stage of their development. We expect a professional and clinical performance from the hosts.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/afc-womens-asian-cup/afc-ladies-asian-cup/australia-w-v-philippines-w--10190721">Matildas</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>It is written in the stars, isn't it? This is her home town after all and should she start, who is a better candidate for first goal scorer than the Matildas greatest ever goal scorer Sam Kerr?</p> <p>Surely captain Kerr can rise to the occasion and head home an early cross or finish a slick attacking transition to settle the nerves and get the party started at Optus Stadium.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/afc-womens-asian-cup/afc-ladies-asian-cup/australia-w-v-philippines-w--10190721">Sam Kerr.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Correct Score Prediction</h3> <p>We expect the Matildas to score a few here, but the Philippines have enough quality to snatch a goal, perhaps from a set-piece or a quick break if given the opportunity.</p> <p>Still, it feels more likely that this will be a Green and Gold shutout and the home side might even sacrifice a goal scoring opportunity or two in order to keep their clean sheet intact.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/afc-womens-asian-cup/afc-ladies-asian-cup/australia-w-v-philippines-w--10190721">3-0 Matildas</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*Odds are subject to change.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Where to Watch the Matildas vs Philippines</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For viewers based in Australia, Network 10 will show every Matildas game live.</p> <p>Meanwhile, streaming service Paramount+ will broadcast every game of the tournament, including Matildas’ games.</p> <p>Therefore, you can use either of these platforms to watch the Matildas vs the Philippines.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Matildas vs Philippines Date and Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Kick-off:</strong> 8:00pm AEDT.</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Sunday, March 1, 2026.</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Optus Stadium, Perth.</p> <p><strong>Where to watch:</strong> Network 10 and Paramount+</p>