The 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup will be held in Australia from March 1 to March 21, 2026. Marking the tournament’s 21st edition, it will bring together 12 leading women’s national sides from across Asia.
A total of 27 games will be played during the competition, as teams battle for continental supremacy and qualification opportunities.
Several standout players are expected to shine, including experienced stars and young talents ready to make their mark.
In this article, we take a closer look at the key players to watch and why they could shape the tournament.
Top 10 Players To Watch In the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup: Overview
Here’s a quick look at ten standout stars who could shape the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
| No | Player | Country | Position | Why to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choe Il-Son | North Korea | Forward | Young breakout star with strong youth World Cup performances |
| 2 | Mary Fowler | Australia | Forward | Creative attacker returning from injury, key for hosts |
| 3 | Olivia McDaniel | Philippines | Goalkeeper | Reliable shot-stopper with big tournament experience |
| 4 | Casey Phair | South Korea | Forward | Young talent with World Cup record and growing impact |
| 5 | Ritu Porna Chakma | Bangladesh | Forward | Top scorer in qualifiers, key for debut campaign |
| 6 | Wang Shuang | China | Forward | Experienced star and creative leader |
| 7 | Sangita Basfore | India | Midfielder | Midfield engine who scored crucial qualification goals |
| 8 | Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva | Uzbekistan | Forward | Main attacking threat with a strong goal record |
| 9 | Maika Hamano | Japan | Midfielder | Technically gifted youngster with big-match potential |
| 10 | Nguyễn Thị Bích Thùy | Vietnam | Midfielder | Veteran playmaker with creativity and experience |
Now, let us have a detailed look at the players and understand why they are a must-watch:
1. Choe Il-Son
Choe Il-Son enters the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup as one of the tournament’s brightest young stars. Even at a young age, she has already shown that she can handle big moments and high pressure.
She was a key figure in DPR Korea’s incredible 2024 campaign, helping them win both the U-17 and U-20 World Cups. At the U-20 tournament, she scored six goals and netted the winner in the final, earning both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot.
With her explosive pace and sharp finishing, she has the ability to change games quickly and make a major impact.
2. Mary Fowler
Mary Fowler heads into the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup as one of Australia’s most important players. She is no longer just a young talent — she has grown into the creative leader of the Matildas.
Now a regular starter for Manchester City, she scored 10 goals during the 2024–25 season and has already crossed 60 international appearances at just 22. Her ability to use both feet and spot clever passes makes her very dangerous in attack.
With Sam Kerr returning from injury, Fowler’s creativity and decision-making could be key to Australia’s title hopes at home.
3. Olivia McDaniel
Olivia McDaniel arrives at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup as one of Asia’s most reliable goalkeepers. She has already built a strong reputation with her performances in major competitions.
She became a hero during the 2023 World Cup and later delivered a match-winning display at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, where her penalty saves against Vietnam secured the gold medal for the Filipinas.
In recent years, she has consistently maintained an impressive save rate in crucial international matches.
Calm under pressure and vocal at the back, McDaniel acts as a true leader and a solid last line of defense for her team.
4. Casey Phair
Still only in her teens, Casey Phair has already made history as the youngest player to appear at a Women’s World Cup. Now, she is growing into a strong and modern centre-forward for South Korea.
Over the last year, she has developed her game in the NWSL with Angel City and gained valuable experience during a loan spell in Sweden. She has already scored four goals in 19 senior appearances for the national team.
With her height, strength, and ability to hold up the ball, Phair adds a powerful aerial option that South Korea previously lacked in major tournaments.
5. Ritu Porna Chakma
Nicknamed the “Magician of Rangamati,” Ritu Porna Chakma has been the driving force behind Bangladesh’s rise in women’s football. She played a huge role in helping the team qualify for the Asian Cup for the first time in history.
She was named MVP of the 2024 SAFF Championship after scoring the winning goal in the final against Nepal. During the 2025 qualifiers, she was in top form, scoring five goals in just three matches.
With 13 goals in 35 international appearances, Ritu Porna is more than just a skillful winger; she is a constant goal threat from the left side.
She will be one of the important players playing for the Bangladesh team in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
6. Wang Shuan
Known as “Lady Messi,” Wang Shuang continues to be the creative heartbeat of China’s team. Her technical skills, vision, and calm presence on the ball make her one of the most respected players in Asian football.
After gaining experience with Tottenham Hotspur in England, she returned to Wuhan Jiangda, where she remains a key playmaker. With over 120 international caps and 47 goals, including nine in 2023, her record speaks for itself.
As China aims to defend its title, Wang’s set-pieces and precise through balls could be the difference in tight matches.
7. Sangita Basfore
In the heart of India’s midfield, Sangita Basfore provides balance, energy, and control. She has become a key figure for the Blue Tigresses, known for her tireless work rate and strong defensive discipline.
While her main role is to protect the back line, 2025 saw her step up in attack as well, scoring four goals for the national team, her best return so far.
With consistent passing accuracy and smart positioning, Basfore connects defense and attack smoothly, helping India stay solid and competitive in midfield battles.
8. Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva
Not many strikers in Asia go under the radar like Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva, but her impact speaks loudly on the pitch. She has quietly built a reputation as a reliable goal-scorer for both club and country.
During the 2025/26 AFC Women’s Champions League, she scored twice in three matches for FC Nasaf, including a brace against East Bengal. She thrives inside the box and knows exactly where to position herself when chances arrive.
Her ability to score early or late in matches shows strong focus and composure — qualities Uzbekistan will depend on in big moments.
9. Maika Hamano
Hamano is a dynamic and versatile attacking talent who has grown in confidence while playing in England with Chelsea F.C. Women and Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Women.
Her experience in high-pressure matches has helped sharpen her decision-making and movement in the final third.
A winner of the SheBelieves Cup with Japan, she stands out for her sharp football IQ. Hamano intelligently finds space between defensive lines, making her a constant threat whether she is scoring or creating chances for teammates.
With 6 goals in 26 appearances for the Japan women’s national football team, she is quickly becoming a key figure in the Nadeshiko attack.
10. Nguyễn Thị Bích Thùy
Bích Thùy is a hardworking winger who shows the true fighting spirit of the Vietnam women’s national football team. She scored the historic goal that sent Vietnam to their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup, a proud moment for the country.
In the AFF Women’s Championship, she continued her good form and scored against strong regional rivals. Now 31, her experience, accuracy, and tactical discipline are very important for Vietnam.
She will play a key role, especially in tough matches against teams like the Australian women’s national soccer team and the Japanese women’s national football team.
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Conclusion: The 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Promises Peak Performances From Its Stars
The 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup will be held in Australia from March 1 to March 21, 2026. For three exciting weeks, Asia’s top teams will compete for continental glory in what promises to be a thrilling tournament from start to finish.
Fans should watch out for talented players like Choe Il-son, Ritu Porna Chakma, Maika Hamano, and Huỳnh Như Bích Thùy. These stars bring speed, skill, and match-winning ability, making every game exciting to watch.
Mark your calendar and get ready for non-stop action. Don’t miss the big goals, dramatic moments, and unforgettable performances in the tournament.
