Ahead of the Women's Asian Cup 2026, Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has expressed a strong desire for the Australian women's national football team to establish themselves as a dominant force in Asia. In a recent press conference where he announced the squad, Montemurro showcased his light-hearted demeanor, demonstrated by an amusing interaction with a ball that kept rolling during his statement. This playful moment underscored his approach to football: persistent, proactive, and focused on maintaining possession.

Montemurro articulated a clear vision for the Matildas, emphasizing the importance of ball control both offensively and defensively. He plans for the team to dictate their playstyle, ensuring they retain possession to impose their strategy on the game while simultaneously controlling the opposition's movements. This proactive and controlling style reflects Montemurro's intent to elevate the Matildas' performance on the Asian stage and aims to build upon Australia's previous football successes.

As the Women's Asian Cup approaches, the Matildas' preparation under Montemurro's guidance indicates a significant step toward increasing the competitiveness of both the team and women's football in Australia. With Montemurro's charming yet determined attitude, the Matildas are poised not just to compete but to assert themselves as formidable contenders in the tournament, aiming to inspire a new generation of female footballers in Australia and cement their legacy in Asian football.