CommBank Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold believes that the team is primed to play their best football under Head Coach Joe Montemurro at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™.
The tournament kicks off in Perth on Sunday, March 1, when the team takes on the Philippines.
“A lot of the girls even had Joe growing up [as a coach], so I think everyone is quite familiar with him,” she said.
“It’s very clear what he wants to do and how he wants to play. Obviously, more time is always going to be ideal. But in the grand scheme of things, it's something that we're used to, something that we've always had to adapt to.
“We’ve adapted great. We’ve all come together. And the Asian Cup is going to be the start of our best football.”
Playing in Perth feels like a full-circle moment for Arnold. She started her A-League Women's career playing for the Glory in 2011/12, before playing for a further two seasons between 2014 and 2016.
The Premiership-winning 2014 side featured the likes of Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord and Alanna Kennedy.
“It always almost feels like a second home back here,” Arnold said.
“I spent so much time here, not only my first couple of years in the W-League, but I came back for two more as well. We've always had a special place for Perth.
“Coming back here and seeing the Sam Kerr Football Centre as well is just a big, full-circle moment. It’s really cool to see how far everything has come since those years.”
The goalkeeping union was dealt a blow in the lead-up to the tournament, with Teagan Micah having to withdraw from the squad due to ongoing symptoms of concussion.
Arnold’s mindset for the tournament has not changed at all as a result.
“We're all here for a reason, so whoever plays will get the job done,” she expressed.
“You’ve just got to take each game as it comes. I don't think your position is ever a certain spot – unless maybe if you’re Sam Kerr!
“It's very different from the goalkeeping position. We've always been in very heavy competition, and we've known that. I take each game as it comes and never get too far ahead of myself.”
Looking ahead to the first game against the Philippines, Arnold said that they wouldn’t be drawing too many conclusions from their comprehensive victory over the team in October 2023.
“Women's football globally is getting better and better each year,” she said.
“Looking back on the Philippines game a couple of years ago - there's a whole different playing style.
“So we’ll definitely look back, but at the same time we have to adapt to how we play now, adapt to how they play now, and just go from there.”
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™
CommBank Matildas v Philippines
Date: Sunday, 1 March 2026
Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth
Time: 5:00pm AWST/8:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
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IR Iran v CommBank Matildas
Date: Thursday, 5 March 2026
Venue: Gold Coast Stadium, Gold Coast
Time: 7:00pm AEST/8:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
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CommBank Matildas v Korea Republic
Date: Sunday, 8 March 2026
Venue: Stadium Australia, Sydney
Time: 8:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
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