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#U20WAC - Players to watch
Bangkok: The stage is set for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™, with Asia’s brightest young talents ready to shine with 12 teams vying for continental supremacy.
With just two days to the kick off, the-AFC.com highlights one player from each team to keep an eye on.

Group A
Kurisara Limpawanich (Thailand)
The dynamic forward will carry Thailand’s hopes on home soil, with the 17-year-old already making waves at domestic level with BGC FC. Affectionately dubbed “Messi Kate”, the forward’s composure in front of goal will be pivotal as the hosts look to make a strong start.


Lu Jiayu (China PR)
Spearheading the attack for China PR will be Lu Jiayu, who brings physical presence and finishing ability as China PR will be targeting another deep run and recapture the title they won in 2006.
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Luu Hoang Van (Vietnam)
The Ha Nam forward will be central to Vietnam’s attacking ambitions. Known for her agility and sharp instincts in the box, Luu Hoang Van has the tools to trouble even the strongest defences.

Sree Moti Trishna (Bangladesh)
Having impressed during the qualifiers and the SAFF U19 Women's Championship Nepal 2026, Sree Moti Trishna will be aiming to raise the bar for Bangladesh in their first outing in the competition.  

Group B
Choe Yon A (DPR Korea)
Choe Yon has already shown her big-game pedigree, scoring the decisive goal that took the East Asian side to the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2024 final en route to lifting the trophy and her influence will be central as they chase a second consecutive title. 


Lee Ha-eun (Korea Republic)
Lee has impressed at Ulsan College and will be expected to deliver as Korea Republic seek a third title. Her ability to find space and finish clinically makes her a key threat.
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Zarina Norboeva (Uzbekistan)
A powerful presence in attack, Norboeva of FC Nasaf will lead Uzbekistan’s forward line. Her strength and goal-scoring ability could be decisive as Uzbekistan look to make an impact. 


Arwa Batayneh (Jordan)
Arwa Batayneh has a knack for finding the back of the net – a quality she showcased in the Qualifiers against Northern Mariana Islands and Bahrain. The Amman FC forward will be aiming to carry that form into Thailand 2026 as she looks to lead Jordan’s attacking charge.

Group C
Anon Tsuda (Japan)
Anon Tsuda is among the brightest prospects in the Japan squad. The technically gifted Mynavi Sendai Ladies forward finished with six goals in the Qualifiers and her contribution will be key as the six-time champions look to regain their supremacy.


Tiana Fuller (Australia)
Already regarded as one of Australia’s brightest young prospects, Tiana Fuller adds an extra dimension to her team’s attacking play with her versatility across the frontline.
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Kao Hsin (Chinese Taipei)
After netting three goals in the Qualifiers, Kao Hsin heads into Thailand 2026 as a key attacking threat for Chinese Taipei.


Sibani Devi (India)
Sibani Devi was a consistent performer for India in the Qualifiers and her finishing ability will be needed against the likes of Japan, Australia and Chinese Taipei.

Click HERE for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026 squads.
 
Note: Data provided by participating Member Associations. AFC is not responsible for accuracy of the data.