Tickets for the Matildas’ AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 opener against Iran have officially sold out, making it the first match of the tournament to be fully booked. The Group A fixture on 5 March at Gold Coast Stadium in Robina has sparked huge local interest, reaffirming the team’s drawing power and the growing appetite for women’s football across Australia.
The Queensland Government says the sell-out reflects the state’s growing reputation as a home for major sporting events. The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 is forecast to generate around $12.5 million in visitor spending, with fans expected to travel from across Australia and overseas.
Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander said the response came as no surprise.
“Queensland is the home of Australian sport and there was never any doubt tickets to Australia’s game on the Gold Coast would sell fast,” he said. “The Matildas are one of our most loved national teams, and the impact of this match will be felt by the local community for a long time.”
The tournament will see Gold Coast host several Group A matches, including Iran’s clash with Korea on 2 March, the Philippines facing Korea on 5 March, and Iran meeting the Philippines on 8 March. Adding to the excitement, two crucial play-off matches that will decide qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will also be held at Robina on 19 March.
Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said major sporting events play a central role in the state’s long-term tourism strategy.
“Our goal is to make Queensland the event capital of the country,” he said. “Big events like this don’t just create atmosphere—they bring visitors who spend money in our hotels, restaurants, and local shops.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the enthusiasm around the Matildas’ match shows how deeply sport connects the community.
“Gold Coast Stadium will be a sea of green and gold come March,” he said. “The incredible uptake of tickets is great news for the game and our local economy. If you missed out, there’s still time to grab seats for the other five matches being hosted in our city.”
Sarah Walsh, Chief Operating Officer of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 Local Organising Committee, called the early sell-out a milestone moment for the event.
“The response from fans has been phenomenal,” she said. “It shows how passionate Australians are about women’s football. This is just the beginning of what we expect to be a record-breaking tournament.”
With the Matildas eyeing their second Asian Cup title and Queensland positioning itself as a powerhouse for global sport, all signs point to a vibrant start to the 2026 tournament—and a packed house ready to roar them on in Robina.
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