By Alyce Collett (19/2/26)
Above: Alex Chidiac is back in the Matildas’ squad after not being selected for a number of windows recently. Image: via A Leagues.
The much anticipated Australian squad for the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup has been revealed, with a good mix of experience and youth in the 26 player squad.
On the one end of the experience scale there are eight players (Winonah Heatley, Clare Hunt, Kahli Johnson, Jamilla Rankin, Charlize Rule, Amy Sayer, Kaitlyn Torpey and Jada Whyman) who have never been in an Asian Cup squad before.
Meanwhile at the other end of the experience scale, captain Sam Kerr is in her fifth Asian Cup squad, while her deputies Steph Catley and Ellie Carpenter are in their fourth and third respectively.
After much speculation it has been confirmed that Mary Fowler is in the squad for the tournament, less than a year after she ruptured her ACL. Jada Whyman is also in the squad after having missed the last few windows due to injury.
Alex Chidiac and Charlize Rule are also both in the squad, with the fan favourites returning to the national team set up after seeming to have fallen out of favour with national team selectors in recent times.
Reflecting on the squad selection, Matildas head coach Joe Montemurro said that “today is an important moment for the team as we name the squad for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
“Selecting a squad is never easy, but it is a privilege to bring together players who truly represent the identity and spirit of the CommBank Matildas, and who understand the responsibility of representing Australia.
“We have selected a strong mix of experienced leaders who understand what it means to wear the green and gold, alongside younger players who have earned their opportunity and will play a vital role in our future.
“Hosting a major home tournament is an honour we do not take lightly. The team is ready, focused and determined to make the nation proud, and we look forward to sharing this moment with fans across the country.”
Australia opens the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup against the Philippines in Perth, before taking on the Islamic Republic of Iran and then Korea Republic to round out its group stage.
Matildas Squad – 2026 Women’s Asian Cup
Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold, Teagan Micah and Jada Whyman.
Defenders: Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Winonah Heatley, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Courtney Nevin, Jamila Rankin and Charlize Rule
Midfielders: Alex Chidiac, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry, Amy Sayer, Emily Van Egmond and Clare Wheeler.
Forwards: Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Michelle Heyman, Kahli Johnson, Sam Kerr, Holly McNamara, Hayley Raso, Remy Siemsen and Kaitlyn Torpey.
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