AFC Women's Asian Cup
Twelve teams will head to Australia in less than a month in pursuit of ultimate continental glory at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™.
To build momentum ahead of kick-off, the #WAC2026 Dream XI Campaign invited fans across Asia and beyond to look back, debate, and celebrate the players who have defined and continue to shape women's football on the continent.
From all-time greats who laid the foundations to modern icons and rising stars carrying the torch forward, supporters were given one simple but powerful task: picking the best XI from an elite pool of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards.
And now, the stars of the shows:
To build momentum ahead of kick-off, the #WAC2026 Dream XI Campaign invited fans across Asia and beyond to look back, debate, and celebrate the players who have defined and continue to shape women's football on the continent.
From all-time greats who laid the foundations to modern icons and rising stars carrying the torch forward, supporters were given one simple but powerful task: picking the best XI from an elite pool of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards.
And now, the stars of the shows:
Goalkeeper
Ayumi Kaihori (Japan)
Ayumi Kaihori (Japan)
A symbol of composure and resilience, Kaihori was Japan's shining star and part of her team's maiden AFC Women's Asian Cup winning squad in 2014.
Defenders
Ellie Carpenter (Australia)
Ellie Carpenter (Australia)
The right-back who has grown into a leader. A finalist at the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup and AFC Youth Player of the Year the same year, she represents the modern defender in full flow.
Saki Kumagai (Japan)
Saki Kumagai (Japan)
A defensive general with ice-cold composure, who has lifted trophies on the biggest stages, including the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup and the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2018.
Jang Sel-gi (Korea Republic)
Jang Sel-gi (Korea Republic)
From AFC U19 Women's Championship MVP in 2013 to leading from the back in major senior tournaments, the versatile defender has surpassed 100 caps and collected multiple MVP honours. A runner-up at the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup, she blends grit with genuine attacking output.
Midfielders
Emily van Egmond (Australia)
Emily van Egmond (Australia)
An ever-present since 2010, the experienced midfielder boasts more than 160 international caps. Twice a continental runner-up and a league winner across Australia, Germany and the USA.
Ji So-yun (Korea Republic)
Ji So-yun (Korea Republic)
The heartbeat of Korea Republic for nearly two decades. Eight-time KFA Women's Player of the Year, all-time top scorer and most-capped player, her late winner against Australia in the 2022 quarter-finals remains one of the tournament's defining moments.
Homare Sawa (Japan)
Homare Sawa (Japan)
A name synonymous with greatness. World champion in 2011, Women's World Player of the Year the same season, and AFC Women's Asian Cup winner in 2014, the list goes on and on.
Wang Shuang (China PR)
Wang Shuang (China PR)
AFC Women's Player of the Year in 2018, her dribbling, vision and eye for goal have lit up the tournament across multiple editions, with nine goals in 2018 and 2022 underlining her influence.
Forwards
Sam Kerr (Australia)
Sam Kerr (Australia)
Australia's all-time top scorer, 2017 & 2022 AFC Player of the Year. A 16-year-old Kerr scored in the final to help Australia win their first AFC Women's Asian Cup.
Mana Iwabuchi (Japan)
Mana Iwabuchi (Japan)
Lifted the 2011 World Cup at 18, AFC Women's Asian Cup 2018 winner and MVP, Iwabuchi started brilliantly and retired in glory.
Sun Wen (China PR)
Sun Wen (China PR)
An icon in every sense. With more than 100 international goals over 13 dominant years and an endless list of silverware, Sun Wen's legacy transcends eras.
A Dream XI That Bridges Eras
The #WAC2026 Dream XI is more than a list of names. It reflects Asia's rich footballing heritage, the evolution of the women's game, and the stars who have inspired generations of fans.
As the countdown to #WAC2026 continues, this Dream XI reminds us why the AFC Women's Asian Cup holds such a special place in the sporting landscape, and why the next chapter promises to be just as unforgettable.
The #WAC2026 Dream XI is more than a list of names. It reflects Asia's rich footballing heritage, the evolution of the women's game, and the stars who have inspired generations of fans.
As the countdown to #WAC2026 continues, this Dream XI reminds us why the AFC Women's Asian Cup holds such a special place in the sporting landscape, and why the next chapter promises to be just as unforgettable.
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