What Did Montemurro Say About the Asian Cup, WSL Pressure, and Cultural Changes?

Joe Montemurro, the former coach of Arsenal, Juventus, and Lyon, is set to lead the Matildas as Australia hosts the 2026 Women's Asian Cup. With his extensive experience in both club and international football, Montemurro understands the pressure on coaches in today’s fast-paced environment. This tournament marks a significant moment for women's football in Australia, showcasing the nation's growing prominence in the sport.

Last updated: 21 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Joe Montemurro has taken charge of the Matildas just ahead of the 2026 Women's Asian Cup, which kicks off on 1 March 2026, with matches held across Australia. This appointment comes at a pivotal time for women's football in Australia, particularly in the wake of the successful 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. As the Matildas prepare to compete, they will aim to secure their second Asian Cup title, last won in 2010. The team is set to face the Philippines in the opening match at Perth's 60,000-seat stadium, whilst the final will be hosted at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

Key takeaways

Joe Montemurro appointed as Matildas head coach ahead of the 2026 Women's Asian Cup.
The tournament runs from 1 March to 21 March 2026, with matches in multiple Australian cities.
Australia aims for its second Asian Cup title, having last won in 2010.
Montemurro emphasises the need for professional standards in women's football.
The current prize pool for the Asian Cup remains significantly lower than that of the men's tournament.

Timeline: how we got here

The following timeline outlines significant milestones leading up to the Women's Asian Cup:

2010: Australia wins its first Women's Asian Cup.
2017-2021: Joe Montemurro serves as the head coach of Arsenal Women, achieving significant success.
2021: Montemurro manages Juventus Women, further solidifying his coaching credentials.
2024: Becomes the first non-French manager of Lyon, leading them in the Women's Champions League.
June 2025: Montemurro is appointed head coach of the Matildas.
1 March 2026: The Women's Asian Cup commences in Australia.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Montemurro has publicly discussed the pressures facing coaches today, especially with the recent high turnover of managerial positions in the Women's Super League (WSL). He has highlighted the need for clubs to support players during international commitments, reinforcing the honour of representing one’s country.

What was already established

The Matildas have a rich history in the Asian Cup, including a notable victory in 2010. The upcoming tournament will be crucial as it follows the momentum gained from the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, which showcased the growth of women's football in Australia.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The Women's Asian Cup is set to enhance the visibility of women's football, potentially increasing interest and attendance at matches. This can lead to greater engagement for fans in the UK, particularly those following Australian players in the WSL.

Businesses and jobs

With several Australian players in the WSL, the tournament will create both opportunities and challenges for clubs. Players representing their country may impact team dynamics and performance, especially during crucial phases of the season.

Policy and regulation

Montemurro’s call for improved professional standards in the women's game reflects ongoing discussions about the treatment and compensation of female athletes in Australia, which may influence policy changes both locally and internationally.

Numbers that matter

A$30,000 (£15,500): Average salary for players in the Australian domestic women’s league.
63%: Percentage of players working second jobs to supplement their incomes.
US$82.4m (£61m): Potential revenue for the 2026 Women's Asian Cup, making it the most commercially successful edition.
$1.8m (£1.3m): Current prize pool for the Women's Asian Cup, unchanged from four years ago.
30,000: Average attendance per match during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, showcasing rising interest in women's sports.

Definitions and jargon buster

Matildas: The Australian women’s national football team.
WSL: Women's Super League, the top tier of women's football in England.
FIFA: Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the international governing body for football.
ACL: Anterior cruciate ligament, a crucial ligament in the knee, often injured in sports.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the tournament approaches, players will need to focus on fitness and team cohesion, while clubs will need to prepare for the temporary loss of key players.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-tournament, there will be a need to evaluate the performance of the Matildas and the impact on the players' clubs, as well as the potential for increased investment in women's football in Australia.

Signals to watch

Performance of the Matildas in the Asian Cup.
Club responses to player absences during international duty.
Changes in policy regarding player contracts and salaries in the women's game.

Practical guidance

Do

Support women’s football by attending matches and following the teams.
Stay informed about player movements and impacts on clubs and national teams.
Engage with local initiatives that promote women's football.

Don’t

Undermine the achievements of women’s teams by comparing them unfavourably to men's teams.
Ignore the importance of proper standards and support for female athletes.
Assume that the success of women's football is guaranteed without ongoing investment and support.

Checklist

Check fixtures and dates for the Women's Asian Cup.
Follow updates on player health and fitness leading into the tournament.
Monitor club announcements regarding player absences due to international duty.
Engage with fan communities to support the Matildas.
Review discussions on pay and conditions in women’s football.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

There are ongoing discussions regarding the professional standards in women's football, particularly in Australia. While there is momentum building, actual changes may take time and face resistance from various stakeholders. Additionally, the success of the Women's Asian Cup could be tempered by external factors such as player injuries and club commitments.

Bottom line

The upcoming Women's Asian Cup in Australia is a landmark event for both the Matildas and women's football in the region. With Joe Montemurro at the helm, the team aims for success on home soil, which could further elevate the status of women's football in Australia and drive necessary changes in professional standards.

FAQs

What is the Women's Asian Cup?

The Women's Asian Cup is a continental championship for national teams in Asia, held every four years. Australia is set to host the next edition in 2026.

Who is Joe Montemurro?

Joe Montemurro is a highly regarded coach with experience managing top women's clubs such as Arsenal, Juventus, and Lyon. He was appointed head coach of the Matildas in June 2025.

What are the goals for the Matildas in the upcoming tournament?

The Matildas aim to win their second Women's Asian Cup title, building on their previous success in 2010 and leveraging the home advantage during the tournament.