Matildas stars Ellie Carpenter, Alanna Kennedy, Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord have been recognised for their brilliant campaign at the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup, by being voted by their peers as part of the FIFPRO Asia/Oceania Team of the Tournament – Australia 2026.
The quartet were selected as part of a player-driven voting process, which celebrates the excellence on the pitch shown throughout the Women’s Asian Cup and were joined by an additional six players from fellow finalists Japan and one from semi-finalists Korea Republic.
The team reflects the collective voice of professional footballers competing across Asia, following in the footsteps of the FIFPRO World XI, which is the only global award voted exclusively by the players, for the players.
The final team was voted on by more than 100 players from all 12 participating nations, with all players who made at least one appearance being eligible for selection. An expert panel of both former and active players and journalists, helped also select a shortlist of “panel picks”.
Carpenter was selected as the starting right-back after playing almost every minute of the tournament, excelling for the Matildas en route to the finals, while Kennedy was chosen among the midfield three following being named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player off the back of scoring five goals in the Asian Cup.
Kerr and Foord were both named in the front-line, with the former bagging four goals while Foord added one in the semi-final against China and two assists throughout the Asian Cup.
“This Team of the Tournament is about players recognising the achievements and performances of the players,” FIFPRO Asia/Oceania Secretary General Shoko Tsuji said.
“Being acknowledged by your peers is one of the highest honours in our sport, and this award ensures the voices of footballers are central in celebrating the performances that defined the tournament.
“The recent Women’s Asian Cup showcased the quality of women’s football across Asia, and this team reflects the players who consistently set the standard on the pitch, from the perspective of their peers.”
The FIFPRO Asia/Oceania Team of the Tournament forms part of FIFPRO’s ongoing commitment to recognising and amplifying player excellence through awards that are driven by the collective voice of footballers.
FIFPRO Asia/Oceania Team of the Tournament – Australia 2026
Goalkeeper: Ayaka Yamashita (Japan)
Defenders: Ellie Carpenter (Australia), Hana Takahashi (Japan), Ko Yoo-jin (Korea Republic), Saki Kumagai (Japan)
Midfielders: Yui Hasegawa (Japan), Alanna Kennedy (Australia), Maika Hamano (Japan)
Forwards: Riko Ueki (Japan), Sam Kerr (Australia), Caitlin Foord (Australia)