AFC Women's Asian Cup
The road to the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is beginning to feel real - and before the first whistle blows, fans get to take charge with the #WAC2026 Dream XI.
Below is the list of the nominees who cover every blade of grass, set the tempo and decide matches with a pass, a press or a moment of genius.
Below is the list of the nominees who cover every blade of grass, set the tempo and decide matches with a pass, a press or a moment of genius.
Homare Sawa (Japan)
A fighter, a maestro and a record-holder. 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup winner, 2011 Women's World Player of the Year, 2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup winner, eight J-League titles and seven Japanese Cups - her medal haul tells the story as well as any superlatives.
Aya Miyama (Japan)
A 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup winner and three-time AFC Women's Player of the Year (2011, 2012, 2015). Vision, passing range and set-piece expertise made her one of Nadeshiko's most gifted creators.
Nahomi Kawasumi (Japan)
An intelligent, two-way attacking midfielder whose movement and delivery powered Japan's golden era: AFC Women's Asian Cup titles in 2014 and 2018, the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup crown, Olympic silver in 2012 and runners-up at the 2015 World Cup.
Pu Wei (China PR)
The commanding captain with 200+ caps anchored China PR through transition: three FIFA Women's World Cups (1999, 2003, 2007), three Olympic Games (2000, 2004, 2008) and the 2006 AFC Women's Asian Cup, wearing the armband until 2013 before a 2014 farewell v DPR Korea.
Wang Shuang (China PR)
The creative spark behind China PR's 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup title and AFC Women's Player of the Year in 2018. Dribbles, defence-splitting passes and a scorer's instinct - nine goals across the 2018 and 2022 editions underline her impact.
Heather Garriock (Australia)
A cornerstone of the Matildas' rise, bringing energy and versatility on the left. Part of the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup-winning squad, she represented Australia at three FIFA Women's World Cups and two Olympic Games, demonstrating consistency and leadership.
Ji So-yun (Korea Republic)
The heartbeat of Taegeuk Ladies for nearly two decades: eight-time KFA Women's Player of the Year, most-capped and all-time top scorer. Her late winner against Australia in the 2022 quarters propelled Korea Republic to the final.
Liu Ailing (China PR)
An icon of the 1990s golden generation: hat-trick in the 1993 AFC Women's Asian Cup final v DPR Korea, tournament MVP in 1997, and a brace in the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final as China PR became Asia's first World Cup finalists.
Stephanie Al Naber (Jordan)
A pivotal figure in Jordan's peak years: the nation's second-highest scorer and fourth most-capped, she netted in every qualifier enroute to the 2014 and 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cups. She scored against eventual finalists Australia in 2014.
Emily van Egmond (Australia)
An ever-present since 2010 with 160+ caps. Twice a runner-up at the AFC Women's Asian Cup, and a title-winner at club level in Australia, Germany and the USA, she'll aim to shape the narrative on home soil.
Bembem Devi (India)
A pioneer and captain at the 2003 AFC Women's Asian Cup, twice AIFF Women's Player of the Year and India's third most-capped player - her two-decade career laid the foundations for a new generation.
Mizuho Sakaguchi (Japan)
The complete midfielder: 120+ caps, 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup champion and a two-time AFC Women's Asian Cup winner (2014, 2018), equally adept at scoring and building attacks.
How to take part
Build your team now at https://the-afc.com/wac_dreamxi or on the AFC LIVE app. Register with name, email, place of residence and date of birth, then pick 1 Goalkeeper, 3 Defenders, 4 Midfielders and 3 Forwards from a curated pool of players. To submit, answer one pop-up trivia question about the AFC Women's Asian Cup™. One entry per person.
Reminder of the contest
It has started and opened worldwide! You have until 10 January 2026 (Malaysia Time, GMT+8) to select your Dream XI.
Prizes
One Winner receives two (2) general admission tickets to the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Final, plus flights and accommodation for the Winner. (Travel and stay for the Winner's guest are not included.)
How the Winner is chosen
After the window closes, AFC determines the definitive Dream XI. The participant whose team most closely matches that XI and who correctly answers the trivia question will be declared the Winner. In case of a tie, the earliest valid registration timestamp wins. Notification will be sent to the sign-up email—keep an eye on your inbox.
The AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Dream XI shall be governed by the terms and conditions available at https://the-afc.com/en/terms_and_conditions.html.
Build your Dream XI now at https://the-afc.com/wac_dreamxi or on the AFC LIVE app
Build your team now at https://the-afc.com/wac_dreamxi or on the AFC LIVE app. Register with name, email, place of residence and date of birth, then pick 1 Goalkeeper, 3 Defenders, 4 Midfielders and 3 Forwards from a curated pool of players. To submit, answer one pop-up trivia question about the AFC Women's Asian Cup™. One entry per person.
Reminder of the contest
It has started and opened worldwide! You have until 10 January 2026 (Malaysia Time, GMT+8) to select your Dream XI.
Prizes
One Winner receives two (2) general admission tickets to the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Final, plus flights and accommodation for the Winner. (Travel and stay for the Winner's guest are not included.)
How the Winner is chosen
After the window closes, AFC determines the definitive Dream XI. The participant whose team most closely matches that XI and who correctly answers the trivia question will be declared the Winner. In case of a tie, the earliest valid registration timestamp wins. Notification will be sent to the sign-up email—keep an eye on your inbox.
The AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Dream XI shall be governed by the terms and conditions available at https://the-afc.com/en/terms_and_conditions.html.
Build your Dream XI now at https://the-afc.com/wac_dreamxi or on the AFC LIVE app
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