2026 Women’s Asian Cup: Raso and Catley Out, Matildas Ready for Any Challenge

The Matildas will be facing North Korea in the Women’s Asian Cup quarterfinal, but they will be missing key players Hayley Raso and Steph Catley due to concussion. The game is set to take place at Perth Rectangular Stadium. If you’re looking to follow the action, ABC Sport will be live blogging the match and providing a live radio broadcast on ABC listen.

North Korea’s team has been shrouded in secrecy, with limited visibility on the international stage since the 2011 Women’s World Cup. Their recent games have shown their strength at the underage level, and they are known for using unconventional tactics to disrupt their opponents. Matildas captain Sam Kerr is familiar with North Korea’s aggressive and relentless style of play, having faced them before. She emphasizes the importance of being prepared for a tough battle.

Coach Joe Montemurro remains unfazed by North Korea’s tactics, focusing instead on the strengths of his team. Despite missing Raso and Catley, the Matildas have backup options available. The winner of this quarterfinal match will secure automatic qualification for the World Cup in Brazil next year, adding extra pressure to the game. But Kerr is confident in her team’s ability to perform under pressure, drawing on past victories to stay positive and focused.

For updates on the game and coverage of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, tune in to ABC Sport. Keep an eye out for more exciting matches and stay engaged with the latest news from the tournament.