Grant’s absence is noted as a blow given her recent injury and role as a deputy for Carpenter.

Cortnee Vine and Charli Grant are omitted from the squad, with Vine taking time off for mental health and the team balancing rotation and form.

The Matildas open the tournament in Perth against the Philippines, with the event hosted across Perth, Sydney, and the Gold Coast over three weeks.

Australia’s 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup will feature 10 Perth games, including the opening match at Optus Stadium and a semifinal, as part of a three-city slate.

The Matildas name a leadership group with Sam Kerr as captain and Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley as vice-captains, providing clear on-field and off-field leadership for the tournament.

The squad blends seasoned World Cup players with new selections, highlighting depth across defense and attack and including players like Caitlin Foord, Mackenzie Arnold, Alanna Kennedy, Hayley Raso, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry, and Mary Fowler.

Sam Kerr is the captain, with Carpenter and Catley continuing as vice-captains, establishing a consistent leadership core for the campaign.

Perth will host three of Japan’s group games, giving fans multiple opportunities to assess Australia’s leading rival on home soil.

Joe Montemurro leads the Matildas as head coach for his first Asian Cup, leveraging a home-country advantage as the tournament unfolds in Australia.

The tournament features 12 AFC teams split into three groups, using a round-robin format to determine quarter-final contenders.

Japan is identified as the biggest threat, ranked No. 8 globally, with several players plying their trades in top English clubs, alongside strong contenders from North Korea and China.

Several players from the World Cup squad return, signaling continuity with a core group while new selections add depth.