Sport
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™: Players to watch
From March 1, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ kicks off with the continent’s biggest stars set to light up stadiums across the country. This is more than just a tournament, it’s a celebration of skill, speed and rising rivalries, as Asia’s powerhouse nations and emerging challengers battle for continental glory on Australian soil.
With world-class talent, fearless young guns and seasoned internationals all ready to shine, fans can expect unforgettable moments from the very first whistle. Here’s your guide to the players who could define the tournament and steal the spotlight throughout an epic month of football.
Caitlin Foord
Nationality: Australia
Position: Winger/Forward
Caps: 140
Age: 31
Number: 19
Goals: 39
Bio: She made her Matildas debut at just 16, scoring against New Zealand in Gosford, and later that year starred at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, winning the tournament’s Best Young Player award and being named AFC Youth Player of the Year in 2011. A veteran of three AFC Women’s Asian Cups, four World Cups and three Olympic Games, she became only the second player to win both AFC Youth and Senior Player of the Year honours, claiming the senior award in 2016. She currently plays in the WSL for Arsenal alongside Steph Catley and Kyra Cooney-Cross.
Yui Hasegawa
Nationality: Japan
Position: Midfielder
Number: 14
Caps: 95
Age: 29 (by the tournament)
Goals: 19
Bio: A composed and intelligent defensive midfielder, Yui Hasegawa began her career further forward in Japan before evolving into one of the game’s most reliable ball-winners. Known for her vision, calmness under pressure and sharp passing, she was identified for national honours at just 14 as part of Japan’s U17 setup.
She made her senior debut at 20 against world No.1 Spain and scored her first international goal soon after against Iceland. Hasegawa played a key role in Japan’s 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup triumph, assisting the winning goal against Australia, and was appointed captain during the 2025 SheBelieves Cup.
Twice nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin, she has also earned three PFA Team of the Year selections and was named Manchester City’s Player of the Year in 2024/25.
Sangita Basfore
Nationality: India
Position: Forward
Caps: 72
Age: 29
Goals: 9
Bio: Yui Hasegawa is a calm, technically gifted defensive midfielder who began her career in a more attacking role before settling deeper in the pitch. Renowned for her vision, composure and ball-winning ability, she was on Japan’s radar from just 14, featuring in the U17 setup. She debuted for the senior side at 20 against world No.1 Spain and soon scored her first international goal against Iceland. A key figure in Japan’s 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup win, assisting the decisive goal against Australia. She later captained the side at the 2025 SheBelieves Cup.
Hasegawa is a two-time Ballon d’Or Féminin nominee, a three-time PFA Team of the Year selection and Manchester City’s 2024/25 Player of the Year.
Hali Long
Nationality: Philippines
Position: Defender
Number: 5
Caps: 98
Age: 30
Goals: 22
Bio: First called up in 2016, Hali Long has become a cornerstone of the Filipinas, now serving as captain and part of the team’s leadership group.
A standout in previous AFC Women’s Asian Cups, she scored a hat-trick as a defender in 2018 and contributed to several goals in recent qualifiers. Her defensive strength was key to the Philippines reaching the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and claiming their first-ever World Cup win, making her a player to watch in the upcoming tournament.
Ji So-yun
Nationality: Korea Republic
Position: Midfielder
Number: 91
Caps: 171
Age: 34
Goals: 74
Bio: Ji So-yun, Korea Republic’s all-time top scorer, is widely regarded as one of the world’s best midfielders, having played for Chelsea, Seattle Reign, Suwon FC, and now Birmingham City.
Remarkably, she debuted for the senior national team at just 15, becoming their youngest-ever goalscorer. At Chelsea, she has won six WSL titles and four FA Cups, and also claimed multiple trophies with Japan’s INAC Kobe. An eight-time Korea FA Women’s Player of the Year, she’s also earned WSL Player of the Year and five PFA Team of the Year honours.
Huynh Nhu
Nationality: Vietnam
Position: Forward
Number: 9
Caps: 116
Age: 34
Goals: 69
Bio: Huynh Nhu is a trailblazer in Vietnamese football, the country’s all-time top scorer and a key figure in their first-ever Women’s World Cup qualification in 2023. She was the first Vietnamese female player to compete abroad and has won five Vietnamese Golden Balls, scoring over 125 club goals.
In recognition of her contributions to football in Vietnam, she was awarded the national Labor Order 2nd Class following the World Cup qualification.
Don’t miss your chance to see Asia’s best players in action at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™. From thrilling goals to unforgettable moments on the pitch, this is a tournament every football fan will want to witness live. Secure your tickets now at Ticketmaster.com.au and be part of the excitement as history is made!
