The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 opening ceremony promises to be a golden night for Perth in more ways than one, with KPop Demon Hunters star Audrey Nuna set to transform the Matildas’ clash with the Philippines into an epic celebration of sport, music and culture at Perth Stadium.
Nuna’s unexpected billing suggests it won’t just be soccer fans attending the historic night on March 1, with the American singer and rapper’s exclusive, non-broadcast performance sure to attract buzz among international fans.
“I’ve never done anything like this as a solo act before, so it’s going to be one that I literally see on my deathbed flashing before my eyes, like a core memory,” she told 7NEWS.
Those unfamiliar with Nuna’s name will likely have seen or heard of the smash Netflix hit KPop Demon Hunters, an animated film which snagged two Golden Globe Award wins and subsequent Oscar nominations, including for its transcendent pop release Golden.
Expect the stadium — and fans — to be awash with green and gold long before the opening whistle, with the 26-year-old to perform both before kick-off and during halftime.
Typically a solo artist, she was coy about her setlist but insists it will mirror the occasion.
“l’ll be doing songs from the past, present, future, different projects,” Nuna, who voices Mira in the film, said.
“I don’t want to say too much, but I will say that I’m curating the set based off just the energy of the players and the type of grit, the type of boldness that they bring to their game, I would like to bring to mine as well.”
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 is the largest celebration of women’s football in the region, with Asia’s top 12 women’s teams competing across Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast from March 1-21.
Sarah Walsh, chief operating officer of the cup, said Nuna’s international appeal matched the significance of the tournament.
“From the football to the fan experience, we are deliberately raising the standard across every element of this event, and bringing a global star of Audrey’s calibre to opening night matches the quality, competitiveness and world-class talent that will be on display on the pitch,” Ms Walsh said.
WA Tourism Minister Reece Whitby was also thrilled to secure Nuna in what is a “significant coup” for tourism.
“This will be a night local and international fans will remember for a long time, whether they’ve travelled to Perth, or are watching amongst the millions world-wide,” he said.
“Attracting the opening ceremony and AFC Women’s Asian Cup to Perth is part of the WA Government’s economic diversification strategy in creating a year-round calendar of events, welcoming thousands of out-of-state visitors to WA and generating valuable tourism dollars for local businesses, tourism operators and local jobs.”
Nuna said fans hoping to spot the singer in WA prior to game day might catch her along the coast embracing the State’s natural beauty.
“I’m trying to see if I can swim with some whales and see some caves, do all the beautiful things Perth has to offer,” she said.
“I was looking at a lot of the tourism stuff, and I was just like, ‘This place looks like some Narnia, Avatar, magical land.’ I’m so into that stuff, so I’m so excited.”
Adding to the excitement of opening night, a select group of ticket holders will have the chance to meet Nuna in person.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/afc-womens-asian-cup-australia-2026-kpop-demon-hunters-star-audrey-nuna-to-perform-in-perth-on-march-1-c-21435702
