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AFC Women's Asian Cup
The return of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Down Under comes at a pivotal moment for the women’s game, building on the momentum generated by the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, which Australia co-hosted with New Zealand.
It is therefore fitting that the Matildas’ long search to replace interim coach Tom Sermanni concluded at Joe Montemurro’s doorstep. With silverware won across some of the world’s top leagues, the former midfielder is not one to shy away from a demanding task and is ready to embrace the task at hand without hesitation.
It is therefore fitting that the Matildas’ long search to replace interim coach Tom Sermanni concluded at Joe Montemurro’s doorstep. With silverware won across some of the world’s top leagues, the former midfielder is not one to shy away from a demanding task and is ready to embrace the task at hand without hesitation.
“It is a big responsibility,” Montemurro said to the.AFC.com in a recent interview. “But I’ve never shied away from a good challenge. The Matildas are an iconic team and to be given the opportunity to lead your country is something very special and I am honoured to be part of this experience.”
Reflecting on the significance of hosting the tournament, Montemurro added: “It’s a great honour to lead your team at a home tournament and we saw what the Australian public brought to the World Cup and the impact that had.
“Tournaments like this play a big role, not just in performance, but in growing the game, bringing in new fans and inspiring young girls to play football. We hope to continue that legacy.”
Reflecting on the significance of hosting the tournament, Montemurro added: “It’s a great honour to lead your team at a home tournament and we saw what the Australian public brought to the World Cup and the impact that had.
“Tournaments like this play a big role, not just in performance, but in growing the game, bringing in new fans and inspiring young girls to play football. We hope to continue that legacy.”
The hosts will enter the 21st edition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup as one of the favourites, having lifted the trophy in 2010 and finished runners-up in 2006, 2014 and 2018. Their most recent campaign in 2022 ended in the quarter-finals -their earliest exit since 2006 - a disappointment Montemurro will be eager to address.
Now, with a résumé featuring multiple FA Women’s Super League titles with Arsenal Women, a Serie A crown with Juventus Women and an A-League Women championship with Melbourne City, the 56-year-old believes his voyages so far have prepared him for a role he has long aspired to.
“You never really know the journey of a coach,” he reflected. “I’ve been very privileged to have had some great experiences around the world, especially in Europe. But in the back of your mind, there’s always that desire to coach your national team and work at the international level. I’ve been privileged enough to be given that opportunity.”
Now, with a résumé featuring multiple FA Women’s Super League titles with Arsenal Women, a Serie A crown with Juventus Women and an A-League Women championship with Melbourne City, the 56-year-old believes his voyages so far have prepared him for a role he has long aspired to.
“You never really know the journey of a coach,” he reflected. “I’ve been very privileged to have had some great experiences around the world, especially in Europe. But in the back of your mind, there’s always that desire to coach your national team and work at the international level. I’ve been privileged enough to be given that opportunity.”
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With Australia 2026 set to be his first major tournament in charge, Montemurro is keen to strike a careful balance between belief and realism as his players harbour ambitions of creating history at home.
“We always dream of winning tournaments,” he said. “What we can do is prepare as best as possible and stay very humble, because there are some great teams in this competition. These are champions of their regions and the quality is very high.
“But if we approach it with humility, positivity and a little bit of bravery, I believe we can do well.”
“We always dream of winning tournaments,” he said. “What we can do is prepare as best as possible and stay very humble, because there are some great teams in this competition. These are champions of their regions and the quality is very high.
“But if we approach it with humility, positivity and a little bit of bravery, I believe we can do well.”
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