Sam Kerr eyes fifth World Cup in 2027 as Australia qualify

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Australia’s Samantha Kerr celebrates after scoring a goal during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 football match between Australia and North Korea in Perth on March 13, 2026. (Photo by COLIN MURTY / AFP) / –IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE–

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Star striker Sam Kerr said she was aiming to play at a fifth World Cup in 2027 after Australia became the first team to qualify for the global showpiece in Brazil.

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Joe Montemurro’s side booked their spot at the tournament for a ninth consecutive time by edging North Korea 2-1 on Friday to make the semi-finals of the Women’s Asian Cup in Perth.

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Chelsea forward Kerr, Australia’s most prolific goal-scorer, captained the Matildas to the World Cup semi-finals in 2023 and aims to join an elite group by playing at her fifth in Brazil.

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“For us as a footballing team, it’s the pinnacle,” said 32-year-old Kerr, who scored the winner against North Korea.

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“So to put our team there is an amazing feeling.

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“Brazil is a footballing nation. What an amazing World Cup to go to. It will be incredible. I hope I’m there. Just the fact that we all get the opportunity to be on the biggest stage is incredible.”

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Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord and Leicester City’s Emily van Egmond, both regular first-team starters, are also targeting a fifth World Cup.

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The top six finishers at the continental competition in Australia qualify for Brazil.

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Montemurro praised his side for soaking up intense pressure from a high-tempo North Korea and taking their chances when they presented themselves.

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“They’re the best team in the tournament. They really are. They’re a great side,” he said of the ninth-ranked North Koreans.

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“They have their reasons for the way they play. It’s very difficult and it’s very unpredictable.

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“We didn’t create much. We had to resist a lot. But it’s the way you beat these teams. You have to manage the game in a certain way, and fortunately enough for us, we did it.”

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Australia’s reward is a last four clash in Perth with either defending champions China or Taiwan.

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