Perth Glory captain Isobel Dalton has issued a powerful call to action for the A-League Women, urging the domestic competition to seize the momentum generated by the Matildas' historic run at the AFC Women's Asian Cup. With Australia set to co-host the 2026 FIFA Women's World Cup, Dalton believes the time for strategic growth is now.
The Matildas' Momentum: A Golden Opportunity
The recent Asian Cup, where the Matildas captivated the nation with their spirited performance, has created an unprecedented wave of public interest in women's football across Australia. Dalton, a key leader for Perth Glory, sees this as a pivotal moment that the A-League Women cannot afford to let slip. The 2026 World Cup, to be hosted on home soil alongside New Zealand, presents a once-in-a-generation platform to elevate the sport's profile permanently.
"We need to capitalise on the momentum that the Matildas have built," Dalton stated emphatically. She highlighted the electric atmosphere and massive television audiences that followed the national team, arguing that this heightened engagement must be channeled directly into the domestic league. The focus, she insists, should be on converting casual fans into dedicated supporters of their local clubs.
Building a Sustainable Future for the League
For Dalton, capitalising on this moment means more than just short-term hype. It requires concrete, long-term investments and strategic planning. She pointed to several key areas where the A-League Women must improve to build a sustainable and compelling product that retains the new audience.
Improved facilities, better marketing, and more accessible broadcast deals are at the top of her list. Dalton believes fans who were thrilled by the quality and drama of the Asian Cup need to see a professional and well-presented league week in, week out. This includes ensuring players have the resources and environments needed to perform at their peak, which in turn raises the overall standard of the competition.
The Perth Glory skipper also understands her own role in this mission. As a captain and a prominent figure in the league, she is focused on driving standards at her club and being an ambassador for the game in Western Australia. Her leadership is seen as crucial in helping Glory and the league bridge the gap between international success and domestic growth.
The Road to 2026: A Crucial Window
The countdown to the 2026 FIFA Women's World Cup has already begun. Dalton frames the next few seasons as a critical development window. The A-League Women is the primary breeding ground for future Matildas stars, and its health is directly linked to the national team's continued success.
"The league is the foundation," Dalton explained. A stronger, more competitive, and more visible A-League Women will produce a deeper pool of talent for the Matildas, giving the home team the best possible chance of glory in 2026. Furthermore, a thriving domestic competition ensures that the legacy of the World Cup extends far beyond the final whistle, embedding football deeper into Australian sporting culture.
Dalton's message is clear: the excitement from the Asian Cup is a starting point, not a peak. The real work begins now to ensure that the surge in popularity translates into lasting structural support for women's football. The success of the 2026 World Cup, and the future of the sport in Australia, may well depend on how the A-League Women responds to this call.
