Complete Guide to All 26 Matildas Players for Women's Asian Cup 2026
As the Matildas gear up for their Women's Asian Cup 2026 campaign on home soil in Australia, excitement builds across Sydney, Perth, and Gold Coast. This comprehensive player guide delves into every squad member, offering insights into their careers, roles, and expectations for the tournament. The Australian team, led by coach Joe Montemurro, blends experienced veterans with emerging talents, aiming for glory in front of local fans.
Goalkeepers
Mackenzie Arnold, born 25 February 1994 and playing for Portland Thorns, steps into the No. 1 role after Teagan Micah's concussion withdrawal. Arnold's penalty shootout heroics in the 2023 Women's World Cup catapulted her to stardom, but she has faced inconsistency since. A self-described "introverted extrovert," she advocates for people with hearing loss, using her platform as a role model.
Jada Whyman, born 24 October 1999 and with AIK FD, has been a squad regular since 2021 but awaits her debut in green and gold. With Micah injured, she moves from third to second choice, poised for action after establishing herself in Europe post a record-breaking stint at Sydney FC.
Chloe Lincoln, born 4 January 2005 and at Brisbane Roar, is the only in-season goalkeeper but faces form challenges. Despite high ratings in national setups, she has conceded more goals per game than any A-League Women keeper this season, raising questions about her readiness.
Defenders
Ellie Carpenter, born 28 April 2000 and now at Chelsea, is a stalwart at just 25. After moving from Lyon, she aims to be "the best right-back in the world," showcasing tireless energy on the flank.
Steph Catley, born 26 January 1994 and with Arsenal, epitomizes dependability and leadership. In her fourth Asian Cup, she captained during Sam Kerr's injury and has shifted to central defense, playing a key role in Arsenal's Champions League success.
Winonah Heatley, born 18 June 2001 and at Roma, became a regular post-Paris Olympics, starting in a win over Germany. Her resilience shone after her brother's death, with Montemurro praising her team-first attitude.
Clare Hunt, born 12 March 1999 and with Tottenham, rose swiftly to the Matildas' core ahead of the 2023 World Cup. Now in London, she embraces life off the pitch while playing every minute for Spurs.
Alanna Kennedy, born 21 January 1995 and at London City Lionesses, has 142 caps and experiments as a holding midfielder. After a red card against England, she bounced back with a goal, facing pressure from rising talents.
Courtney Nevin, born 12 February 2002 and with Malmo FF, serves as a reliable backup across the backline. Her Matildas dream sparked from a 2015 World Cup trip, and she now nears 50 caps.
Jamilla Rankin, born 9 May 2003 and at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, hails from Eureka and made a seven-hour commute for training. After over 50 A-League appearances, she earned a Matildas debut and move to Germany.
Charlize Rule, born 16 February 2003 and with Brighton, has one cap from a 5-0 loss to Canada. Overcoming a hip injury, she starts regularly in England, though her TikTok fame has waned.
Midfielders
Alex Chidiac, born 15 January 1999 and at FC Como, returns to the squad under Montemurro after ups and downs. A fan favorite, her chant may echo in stadiums again as she brings creativity to midfield.
Kyra Cooney-Cross, born 15 February 2002 and with Arsenal, is now established after biding her time. The football community rallied around her when her mother was diagnosed with cancer, highlighting her resilience.
Katrina Gorry, born 13 August 1992 and at West Ham, is irreplaceable since her reintroduction. This Asian Cup could be her last shot at silverware, as she reflects on the 2023 World Cup semi-final loss.
Amy Sayer, born 30 November 2001 and with Malmo FF, balances football with a master's in bioethics. A Stanford alum, she used her anatomy knowledge to recover from an ACL injury that cost her an Olympics berth.
Emily van Egmond, born 12 July 1993 and at Leicester City, has over 150 caps and leads the veteran group. Her legacy includes a medal named after her in Newcastle, honoring local talent.
Clare Wheeler, born 14 January 1998 and with Everton, provides tireless work in midfield. She advocates for ALW professionalism, emphasizing the need to keep pace with global leagues.
Forwards
Caitlin Foord, born 11 November 1994 and at Arsenal, complements Sam Kerr in attack. Her favorite memory is playing in the 2023 World Cup with family watching, marking a career highlight.
Mary Fowler, born 14 February 2003 and with Manchester City, is the heir apparent to Kerr. Recovering from an ACL tear, Montemurro is confident in her fitness for the tournament.
Michelle Heyman, born 4 July 1988 and at Canberra United, returns after retirement, seizing a second chance. At 37, she retains her place over younger strikers, showcasing enduring form.
Kahli Johnson, born 18 February 2004 and with Calgary Wild, debuts in her first major tournament. Playing in Canada's Northern Super League, she embodies hard work and ambition.
Sam Kerr, born 10 September 1993 and at Chelsea, is a feared striker and 2010 Asian Cup winner. Back from an ACL injury, her hold-up play remains crucial, amid speculation over her club future.
Holly McNamara, born 23 January 2003 and with Melbourne City, overcame two ACL ruptures to shine in the ALW. She is poised to replace veterans up front, proving her resilience.
Hayley Raso, born 5 September 1994 and at Eintracht Frankfurt, excels in green and gold despite sporadic club minutes. Montemurro must harness her explosiveness on the right flank.
Remy Siemsen, born 10 November 1999 and at FC Rosengård, seeks her first goal after 14 caps. She changed clubs to make the Asian Cup squad, driven by past heartbreak.
Kaitlyn Torpey, born 17 March 2000 and with Newcastle United, offers versatility across the park. Her move to England's WSL2 presents a new challenge in a promotion-relegation league.
This expanded guide highlights the depth and diversity of the Matildas squad as they aim for success in the Women's Asian Cup 2026. With a mix of experience and youth, the team is set to captivate home crowds and compete at the highest level.
