AFC Women's Asian Cup
To warm up, the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Dream XI lets football fans pick 11 of their favourite players from a pool of all-time greats and rising stars.
We begin where titles so often tilt: the goalkeeper's spot.
You're choosing the last line of defence for your Dream XI—presence, poise and big-match nerve required. From an era-defining icon to a modern-day hero, here are the five nominees.
We begin where titles so often tilt: the goalkeeper's spot.
You're choosing the last line of defence for your Dream XI—presence, poise and big-match nerve required. From an era-defining icon to a modern-day hero, here are the five nominees.
Gao Hong (China PR)
Simply top of the class. The exemplary No.1 hung her gloves in the early 2000s and left a legacy that still glows. She guarded the posts throughout China PR's record six-in-a-row AFC Women's Asian Cup titles (1989–1999) and remains among the finest goalkeepers in the continent's history.
Simply top of the class. The exemplary No.1 hung her gloves in the early 2000s and left a legacy that still glows. She guarded the posts throughout China PR's record six-in-a-row AFC Women's Asian Cup titles (1989–1999) and remains among the finest goalkeepers in the continent's history.
Lydia Williams (Australia)
More than 100 caps and five FIFA Women's World Cup participations earned the Matildas legend the ultimate respect. Part of the 2010 continental champions and a key figure in runs to the final of the 2014 and 2018 editions, she set standards in leadership, longevity and calm decision-making. An inspiration for the next generation.
More than 100 caps and five FIFA Women's World Cup participations earned the Matildas legend the ultimate respect. Part of the 2010 continental champions and a key figure in runs to the final of the 2014 and 2018 editions, she set standards in leadership, longevity and calm decision-making. An inspiration for the next generation.
Hong Myong Hui (DPR Korea)
Part of a squad that came agonisingly close to a fourth continental crown in 2010, the shot-stopper kept three clean sheets in five, including a memorable 1–0 semi-final win over China PR, before a penalty shoot-out reverse against Australia in the final. She also appeared at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Part of a squad that came agonisingly close to a fourth continental crown in 2010, the shot-stopper kept three clean sheets in five, including a memorable 1–0 semi-final win over China PR, before a penalty shoot-out reverse against Australia in the final. She also appeared at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Ayumi Kaihori (Japan)
Heroic, iconic and eternal — those World Cup final penalty saves took Nadeshiko to the very top. Four years later, she featured in another global final and, on the continental stage, she was part of Japan's maiden AFC Women's Asian Cup winning squad in 2014: Footwork, angles, ice-cold timing.
Heroic, iconic and eternal — those World Cup final penalty saves took Nadeshiko to the very top. Four years later, she featured in another global final and, on the continental stage, she was part of Japan's maiden AFC Women's Asian Cup winning squad in 2014: Footwork, angles, ice-cold timing.
Mackenzie Arnold (Australia)
The only active nominee and a master of the moment. Three penalty saves versus Thailand sent Australia to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Jordan 2018 final; a home-soil star in 2023, she saved three more in a nerve-shredding shoot-out against France as the Matildas reached a first FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final. A current benchmark for clutch keeping.
The only active nominee and a master of the moment. Three penalty saves versus Thailand sent Australia to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Jordan 2018 final; a home-soil star in 2023, she saved three more in a nerve-shredding shoot-out against France as the Matildas reached a first FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final. A current benchmark for clutch keeping.
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’s officially live 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 covered for the Winner. Travel and accommodation for the Winner’s accompanying guest are not covered.
How the Winner is chosen
After the Contest 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 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’s officially live 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 covered for the Winner. Travel and accommodation for the Winner’s accompanying guest are not covered.
How the Winner is chosen
After the Contest 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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