Hunt on Women’s Asian Cup: “I’m excited to play in front of a home crowd”

The Women’s Asian Cup kicks off this weekend and Clare Hunt is looking forward to the ‘incredible experience’ of competing in another prestigious tournament in her home country.

The defender was one of our three players to have jetted off this week – Toko Koga and Maika Hamano also called up for Japan – to represent their country in the competition over the next month.

Having been part of the Matildas squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia, it will be another special moment for our number 15 – not only will it be her first appearance in this prestigious tournament, but she will be walking out in front of thousands of Australians once again.

Clare and Australia begin their tournament on Sunday (1 March, 9am kick-off) against Philippines in Perth and the 26-year-old spoke of her excitement to be involved in another major international tournament on home turf.

“I’m extremely excited to be playing in Australia in front of a home crowd again in a tournament setting and it will be incredible to share an experience like this with family, friends and fellow Australians,” she told us.

“The Women’s World Cup in 2023 was a great experience in terms of seeing the women’s game grow, so hoping this tournament continues to celebrate football in Australia and across Asia.

Asked about the difference of competing in a tournament midseason, Clare added: “Tournament preparation is different during this time - where training and playing consistently with club is the best preparation, given that we are in season. I feel well prepared and eager to start the tournament.”

Ready to represent 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/RF0poYh53d

— Tottenham Hotspur Women (@SpursWomen) February 26, 2026

With tournament set to run until Saturday 21 March, there’s a chance that Clare – alongside Toko and Maika – could miss our clashes against Everton and Manchester City, but she will be keeping a close eye on her team-mates and will be hoping to call in via FaceTime once again, as she did for our FA Cup success with London City Lionesses earlier this week.

“Unfortunately, I will be unavailable due to the extended FIFA window for AFC nations, however I will closely support and follow the team as best as I can from Australia,” Clare said.

“I know they will continue to work hard and compete, as they always do. I’m keen to have a few more celebratory FaceTimes with the girls while I am away!”