AFC Women's Asian Cup
Goalkeeper? Sorted. Time for the backline. Three defenders who can organise, disrupt, lead and inspire. From penalty-box generals to flying wide defenders, your nominees are ready.
Wen Lirong (China PR)
Not just a witness, Wen was among the architects that built the cornerstone of China PR's golden generation as her team dominated Asia. She helped secure a consecutive six AFC Women's Asian Cup titles, then carried that form onto the world stage with an Olympic silver in 1996 and a runners-up finish at the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Not just a witness, Wen was among the architects that built the cornerstone of China PR's golden generation as her team dominated Asia. She helped secure a consecutive six AFC Women's Asian Cup titles, then carried that form onto the world stage with an Olympic silver in 1996 and a runners-up finish at the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Powerful in the tackle, commanding in the air, and a natural organiser, the former centre-back was calm at the edge of the penalty area. At the same time, China PR swept through opponents and wrote a dynasty.
Aya Sameshima (Japan)
The 2011 world champion from the left flank. Aya Sameshima was a key part of Japan's golden era, blending defensive reliability with tireless overlapping runs.
The 2011 world champion from the left flank. Aya Sameshima was a key part of Japan's golden era, blending defensive reliability with tireless overlapping runs.
She helped Nadeshiko lift the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup and later the AFC Women's Asian Cup title in 2018. With her composure on the ball and ability to deliver under pressure, the attacking full-back came to embody Japan's fluid, intelligent approach to the game.
Saki Kumagai (Japan)
Aya's perfect partner in the back line. Saki Kumagai is one of Japan's most decorated stars, equally capable of directing play from centre-back or shielding the defence in midfield. She scored the title-winning penalty in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup final and added the AFC Women's Asian Cup crown in 2018.
Aya's perfect partner in the back line. Saki Kumagai is one of Japan's most decorated stars, equally capable of directing play from centre-back or shielding the defence in midfield. She scored the title-winning penalty in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup final and added the AFC Women's Asian Cup crown in 2018.
Renowned for her tactical intelligence, leadership and icy calm on the biggest stages, the long-time captain remains a reference point for defensive excellence in Asia.
Ellie Carpenter (Australia)
One of the brightest lights of the new Matildas generation. The dynamic right-back made her international debut at just 15 and became Australia's youngest Olympic footballer at Rio 2016. Blistering pace, relentless forward runs and fierce one-on-one defending have made her a fan favourite.
One of the brightest lights of the new Matildas generation. The dynamic right-back made her international debut at just 15 and became Australia's youngest Olympic footballer at Rio 2016. Blistering pace, relentless forward runs and fierce one-on-one defending have made her a fan favourite.
A finalist at the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2018 and AFC Youth Player of the Year the same year, the defender represents the fearless future of Australian football.
Clare Polkinghorne (Australia)
Few defenders have worn the national jerseys with such consistency. Over more than 150 caps, Clare Polkinghorne has been a rock at the back, helping Australia lift the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2010 and reach the final again in 2014 and 2018.
Few defenders have worn the national jerseys with such consistency. Over more than 150 caps, Clare Polkinghorne has been a rock at the back, helping Australia lift the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2010 and reach the final again in 2014 and 2018.
Strong in the air, disciplined in her positioning, and quietly relentless, the long-serving centre-back has set the standard for professionalism and resilience in the Matildas' backline.
Duangnapa Sritala (Thailand)
The veteran centre-back has been the heartbeat of Thailand's defence for over a decade. With more than 100 international caps, she helped Thailand to fifth place at the 2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup™ and fourth in 2018—results that paved the way for historic qualifications to the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women's World Cups.
The veteran centre-back has been the heartbeat of Thailand's defence for over a decade. With more than 100 international caps, she helped Thailand to fifth place at the 2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup™ and fourth in 2018—results that paved the way for historic qualifications to the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women's World Cups.
Calm under pressure and a vocal organiser, Thailand's long-time captain has also led her nation to multiple SEA Games honours, becoming one of Southeast Asia's most respected defenders.
Ashalata Devi (India)
Ashalata Devi is the defensive leader of an ambitious Indian side. The commanding centre-back made her AFC Women's Asian Cup debut in 2022 and has been a mainstay for her country for years.
Ashalata Devi is the defensive leader of an ambitious Indian side. The commanding centre-back made her AFC Women's Asian Cup debut in 2022 and has been a mainstay for her country for years.
Named AIFF Women's Player of the Year in 2019 and shortlisted for the AFC Women's Player of the Year the same year, the 32-year-old is known for her aerial presence, reading of the game and ability to inspire those around her.
Wu Haiyan (China PR)
For more than a decade, Wu Haiyan has been a constant at the back for China PR. With over 120 caps, she helped the Steel Roses claim back-to-back third-place finishes at the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2014 and 2018.
For more than a decade, Wu Haiyan has been a constant at the back for China PR. With over 120 caps, she helped the Steel Roses claim back-to-back third-place finishes at the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2014 and 2018.
Earlier this year, she held her nerve from the spot in Wuhan Jiangda Women's FC's penalty shoot-out triumph in the inaugural AFC Women's Champions League™ final. A modern leader with big-game experience, the defender continues China PR's proud tradition of defensive excellence.
Steph Catley (Australia)
Equally comfortable at centre-back or full-back, Steph Catley has been one of the Matildas' most dependable performers since her debut in 2012. She featured in Australia's runs to the AFC Women's Asian Cup finals in 2014 and 2018 and scored the winning goal in the opening match of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup on home soil.
Equally comfortable at centre-back or full-back, Steph Catley has been one of the Matildas' most dependable performers since her debut in 2012. She featured in Australia's runs to the AFC Women's Asian Cup finals in 2014 and 2018 and scored the winning goal in the opening match of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup on home soil.
With more than 130 caps, the left-sided defender brings set-piece quality, composure and leadership to every backline she marshals.
Azusa Iwashimizu (Japan)
A centre-back, a roadblock but also a crucial scorer in massive moments. Azusa Iwashimizu started in back-to-back FIFA Women's World Cup finals in 2011 and 2015, but her most unforgettable moments came in Asia.
A centre-back, a roadblock but also a crucial scorer in massive moments. Azusa Iwashimizu started in back-to-back FIFA Women's World Cup finals in 2011 and 2015, but her most unforgettable moments came in Asia.
In the 2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup, she scored an extra-time winner against China PR in the semi-finals, then headed home the decisive goal in the final against Australia. Over 120 caps, a world title and a continental crown underline the impact of one of Japan's great defenders.
Jang Sel gi (Korea Republic)
Tournament after tournament, Jang Sel gi has lived up to her early promise. The 2013 AFC U19 Women's Championship MVP has since collected more than 100 caps, a KFA Women's Player of the Year award and, most recently, another MVP after leading Korea Republic to the 2025 EAFF Championship title with crucial goals against China PR and Chinese Taipei.
Tournament after tournament, Jang Sel gi has lived up to her early promise. The 2013 AFC U19 Women's Championship MVP has since collected more than 100 caps, a KFA Women's Player of the Year award and, most recently, another MVP after leading Korea Republic to the 2025 EAFF Championship title with crucial goals against China PR and Chinese Taipei.
A runner-up at the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup™, the versatile defender links defence and attack with energy, bravery and real end product.
Chuong Thi Kieu (Vietnam)
A central figure in Vietnam's remarkable rise whose contribution sparked the rise of a team and a nation. The defender's most iconic moment came at the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022, when her goal in a 2–1 win over Chinese Taipei sealed Vietnam's first-ever qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup.
A central figure in Vietnam's remarkable rise whose contribution sparked the rise of a team and a nation. The defender's most iconic moment came at the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022, when her goal in a 2–1 win over Chinese Taipei sealed Vietnam's first-ever qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup.
At club level, she struck again in a thriller against Abu Dhabi Country Club to help debutants Ho Chi Minh City FC reach the semi-finals of the AFC Women's Champions League 2024/25.
The Vietnamese centre-back has become a symbol of a fast-developing football nation.
The Vietnamese centre-back has become a symbol of a fast-developing football nation.
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 (target count 41, subject to change). To submit, answer one pop-up trivia question about the AFC Women's Asian Cup. One entry per person.
Reminder of the contest
It 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.
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 (target count 41, subject to change). To submit, answer one pop-up trivia question about the AFC Women's Asian Cup. One entry per person.
Reminder of the contest
It 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.
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