KPop Demon Hunters Star Audrey Nuna to Perform at AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ has confirmed global pop phenomenon, Audrey Nuna, to headline the tournament’s Opening Ceremony.

The singer-rapper, famed as the voice of Mira in the record-breaking Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters, will perform live at Perth Stadium on 1 March 2026, before the highly anticipated opening clash between the Matildas and the Philippines.

The appointment leverages the astronomical success of KPop Demon Hunters, which recently became Netflix’s most-streamed movie of all time with over 481 million views.

Nuna’s involvement brings elite awards-season momentum to the tournament; the film’s anthem, “Golden,” has secured 98th Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song and Best Animated Feature, alongside five Grammy Award nominations including Song of the Year.

Commenting on her announcement to perform on the event, Kpop Demon Hunter star, Nuna, said: “I’m thrilled to be performing at the Opening Ceremony… Being a part of this celebration of female grit and excellence is a true honour.”

“It’s going to be a very special and singular start to the tournament, an experience I’m excited to share with the people of Perth,” Nuna said. 

Emphasising the high stakes of the announcement, chief operating officer of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, Sarah Walsh, added: “Bringing a global star of Audrey’s calibre… matches the quality, competitiveness, and world-class talent that will be on display on the pitch.” 

A Fusion of Sport and Global Pop Culture

The organisation’s decision to integrate a global music icon reflects a new ambition to elevate the Women’s Asian Cup into a premier lifestyle and entertainment event.

Audrey Nuna will deliver a bespoke solo set created specifically for the tournament, featuring an in-stadium exclusive half-time performance that will not be televised, driving ticket demand for the 60,000-seat venue.

WA Tourism Minister, Reece Whitby, noted the event is central to Western Australia’s “economic diversification strategy,” aimed at drawing thousands of interstate and international visitors.

The 2026 edition will be the largest in history, featuring 12 nations competing across Perth, Sydney, and the Gold Coast from 1–21 March.

The opening match itself carries significant weight, with the Matildas facing a resurgent Philippines side coming off a historic gold medal win at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.

Tickets for the Opening Ceremony and blockbuster double-header are expected to sell out as “Demon Hunter” fever meets “Matildas mania.”

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