AFC Women's Asian Cup
The 12 sides hoping to achieve continental glory have announced their squads - with proven winners to debutants set to power their dreams and from the talented pool, the-AFC.com highlights one player per team to keep an eye on.
Group A
Sam Kerr (Australia)
Back in the squad after an 18-month injury layoff and set to captain the Matildas, Sam Kerr will be aiming to power Australia to glory on home soil after their dreams ended in the quarter-final stage four years ago. The Chelsea star won the Topscorer award at India 20202 but will settle for nothing other than the title this time round.
Ji So-yun (Korea Republic)
It was Ji So-yun’s wonder goal that knocked Australia out of the 2022 edition with the accomplished midfielder playing a key role as Korea Republic finished runners-up. Ji, who plays her club football with Suwon FC, dictates tempo with intelligence. Her strength comes from her passing range, creativity and adaptability to score from distance and Korea Republic will be counting on her for the cutting edge.
Back in the squad after an 18-month injury layoff and set to captain the Matildas, Sam Kerr will be aiming to power Australia to glory on home soil after their dreams ended in the quarter-final stage four years ago. The Chelsea star won the Topscorer award at India 20202 but will settle for nothing other than the title this time round.
Ji So-yun (Korea Republic)
It was Ji So-yun’s wonder goal that knocked Australia out of the 2022 edition with the accomplished midfielder playing a key role as Korea Republic finished runners-up. Ji, who plays her club football with Suwon FC, dictates tempo with intelligence. Her strength comes from her passing range, creativity and adaptability to score from distance and Korea Republic will be counting on her for the cutting edge.
Zahra Ghanbari (Islamic Republic of Iran)
Islamic Republic of Iran’s focal point in attack, Zahra Ghanbari leads by example with her work rate and eye for goal. Zahra excels in one-on-one situations and is dangerous inside the box. The Central Asian side will need her at his best if they are to advance to the knockout stage for the first time.
Olivia McDaniel (Philippines)
A commanding presence between the posts, Olivia McDaniel’s reflexes and shot-stopping ability have been the catalyst in the Philippines’ rise to the forefront of Asian football. Vocal and composed under pressure, she also brings leadership and confidence to the backline.
Islamic Republic of Iran’s focal point in attack, Zahra Ghanbari leads by example with her work rate and eye for goal. Zahra excels in one-on-one situations and is dangerous inside the box. The Central Asian side will need her at his best if they are to advance to the knockout stage for the first time.
Olivia McDaniel (Philippines)
A commanding presence between the posts, Olivia McDaniel’s reflexes and shot-stopping ability have been the catalyst in the Philippines’ rise to the forefront of Asian football. Vocal and composed under pressure, she also brings leadership and confidence to the backline.
Group B
Wang Shuang (China PR)
The creative heartbeat of China PR, Wang Shuang blends technical brilliance with clinical finishing. Her dribbling, through balls and set-piece quality make her capable of unlocking even the toughest defences.
Kim Kyong Yong (DPR Korea)
An intelligent forward, Kim Kyong Yong thrives on movement and anticipation inside the box. Kim - who was among the top scorers in the Qualifiers with 12 goals - is composed in one-on-one situations, making her a constant menace to opposing teams.
Wang Shuang (China PR)
The creative heartbeat of China PR, Wang Shuang blends technical brilliance with clinical finishing. Her dribbling, through balls and set-piece quality make her capable of unlocking even the toughest defences.
Kim Kyong Yong (DPR Korea)
An intelligent forward, Kim Kyong Yong thrives on movement and anticipation inside the box. Kim - who was among the top scorers in the Qualifiers with 12 goals - is composed in one-on-one situations, making her a constant menace to opposing teams.
Ritu Porna Chakma (Bangladesh)
The inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League 2024/25™ provided a glimpse as Ritu Porna Chakma showcased her qualities for Royal Thimphu College FC of Bhutan, with the midfielder then taking centre stage in Bangladesh’s historic qualification with five goals in the Qualifiers. The 22-year-old’s goalscoring instincts will be crucial to the South Asian side’s chances at the Finals.
Nilufar Kudratova (Uzbekistan)
Having started her international career at the tender age of 17, Nilufar Kudratova enters Australia 2026 at the peak of her powers after more than a decade representing Uzbekistan, with her creativity - whether as a support striker or as a wide forward - giving the Central Asian side dynamism in attack.
The inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League 2024/25™ provided a glimpse as Ritu Porna Chakma showcased her qualities for Royal Thimphu College FC of Bhutan, with the midfielder then taking centre stage in Bangladesh’s historic qualification with five goals in the Qualifiers. The 22-year-old’s goalscoring instincts will be crucial to the South Asian side’s chances at the Finals.
Nilufar Kudratova (Uzbekistan)
Having started her international career at the tender age of 17, Nilufar Kudratova enters Australia 2026 at the peak of her powers after more than a decade representing Uzbekistan, with her creativity - whether as a support striker or as a wide forward - giving the Central Asian side dynamism in attack.
Group C
Yui Hasegawa (Japan)
The lynchpin in Japan’s midfield, Yui Hasegawa is one of the best midfielders in the women’s game and her presence at Australia 2026 will be highly-anticipated as the Manchester City star has the capability to dictate games with her passing and control in the middle of the pitch.
Ngoc Minh Chuyen (Vietnam)
Seen as a potential successor to the great Huynh Nhu, the 21-year-old Ngoc Minh Chuyen will aim to prove she has the talent to take over the mantle. The forward is tenacious in her play and her dribbling abilities make her an exciting watch.
Yui Hasegawa (Japan)
The lynchpin in Japan’s midfield, Yui Hasegawa is one of the best midfielders in the women’s game and her presence at Australia 2026 will be highly-anticipated as the Manchester City star has the capability to dictate games with her passing and control in the middle of the pitch.
Ngoc Minh Chuyen (Vietnam)
Seen as a potential successor to the great Huynh Nhu, the 21-year-old Ngoc Minh Chuyen will aim to prove she has the talent to take over the mantle. The forward is tenacious in her play and her dribbling abilities make her an exciting watch.
Sangita Basfore (India)
Her goals against Thailand powered India into making the Finals on merit for the first time and the 29-year-old will be determined to ensure that the two-time runners-up are competitive in a tough group. The East Bengal FC midfielder is expected to be the fulcrum of India’s bid for a place in the knockout stage for the first time since 1983.
He Jia-Shiuan (Chinese Taipei)
A rising star in the Chinese Taipei team, 20-year-old He Jia-Shiuan grabbed a brace in the East Asian side’s opening Qualifiers Group D win against Pakistan with her side going on to top the group with three victories. The Hangyuan FC forward will be determined to showcase her talent on the biggest continental stage.
Her goals against Thailand powered India into making the Finals on merit for the first time and the 29-year-old will be determined to ensure that the two-time runners-up are competitive in a tough group. The East Bengal FC midfielder is expected to be the fulcrum of India’s bid for a place in the knockout stage for the first time since 1983.
He Jia-Shiuan (Chinese Taipei)
A rising star in the Chinese Taipei team, 20-year-old He Jia-Shiuan grabbed a brace in the East Asian side’s opening Qualifiers Group D win against Pakistan with her side going on to top the group with three victories. The Hangyuan FC forward will be determined to showcase her talent on the biggest continental stage.
Click HERE for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ squads.
Note: Data provided by participating Member Associations. AFC is not responsible for accuracy of the data.
Note: Data provided by participating Member Associations. AFC is not responsible for accuracy of the data.
Related News
- AFC Women's Asian Cup
Fast-Breaking protocol to be introduced at #WAC2026
- AFC Women's Asian Cup
#WAC2026: Meet the Technical Observers’ Team
- AFC Women's Asian Cup
First-ever Official Anthem unveiled for AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™
- AFC Women's Asian Cup
Asia’s best vie for continental glory at #WAC2026
- AFC Women's Asian Cup
Match Predictor debuts at #WAC2026
Item 1 of 5