As the CommBank Matildas prepare to kick off their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ campaign on home soil this week, get to know the squad representing Australia.
Over the next few days, we will take a closer look at the players selected in each position. First up, the goalkeepers.
#1 Mackenzie Arnold
Debut: 20-Nov-2012 v Chinese Taipei (in Shenzhen) EAFF Women's East Asian Cup Preliminary Round 2 (W7-0)
Matildas Cap Number: 185
Jersey Number: 1
Appearances (goals): 61 (0)
Major Tournaments: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015, 2019 & 2023, AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2018, 2022 & 2026, Olympic Games 2016, 2021 & 2024.
Current Club: Portland Thorns, USA
Junior Club: Burleigh Heads SC (Football QLD)
With 14 years of experience with the Matildas, Mackenzie is looking to bring her wealth of international experience to her third AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Arnold made her debut for Australia back in 2012 against Chinese Taipei at 18 years old, keeping a clean sheet in her first appearance. She has gone on to be named in three FIFA Women’s World Cup squads, three AFC Women’s Asian Cup squads and two Olympic Games tournaments.
A finalist for the 2023 FIFA The Best Goalkeeper following her integral role in helping Australia advance to the semi-final of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup on home soil. Arnold is one of the top goalkeepers in the world and is currently plying her trade with the Portland Thorns in the NWSL.
Arnold’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign was one to remember. She became the starting goalkeeper for the FIFA Women ’s World Cup 2023™, making her debut in the tournament and helping the team to their first semi- final at a World Cup.
Famously, she made three penalty saves in Australia’s quarter-final shootout victory against France to earn her place in Australian sporting folklore.
#12 Chloe Lincoln
Debut: 7-Dec-2024 v Chinese Taipei (in Geelong) International Friendly (W6-0)
Matildas Cap Number: 233
Jersey Number: 12
Appearances (goals): 3 (0)
Major Tournaments: AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026
Current Club: Brisbane Roar
Junior Club: Northern Inland Football (NNSW Football)
Chloe Lincoln has been named in her first major tournament squad for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Since making her debut back in 2024, she has gone on to make 3 appearances for Australia, making some impressive saves in the process.
Lincoln became the first goalkeeper to debut for Australia since Teagan Micah in 2021, when she replaced Mackenzie Arnold in the 65th minute of Australia’s 6-0 win over Chinese Taipei.
She has represented Australia at a number of youth tournaments, helping Australia secure a bronze medal at the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2024 as well as lifting the ASEAN Women's Championship in 2025.
#18 Morgan Aquino
Debut: Yet to make her debut
Jersey Number: 18
Appearances (goals): 0 (0)
Major Tournaments: AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026
Current Club: DC Power
Junior Club: Dianella SC / Football West
Morgan Aquino has been named in her first major tournament squad for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup, called up after a knee injury to Jada Whyman ruled her out of the tournament.
Aquino's first senior call-up came in November 2024, ahead of Australia's two-match series against Chinese Taipei.
This tournament marks the goalkeeper's fourth call-up to the senior side. Aquino made her A-League Women's debut for her hometown club, Perth Glory, in January 2020, making 3 appearances in the 2020/21 season.
Her 2023/24 season with Perth Glory saw her breakout in the league, playing every single game for the club and making 126 saves in the process, with a save percentage of 81.1%, which was the most of any goalkeeper in the league. She was subsequently named in the PFA and A-League Women's Team of the Season.
Aqunio then made her first move overseas, signing with DC Power for the inaugural season of the USL Super League.
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™
CommBank Matildas v Philippines
Date: Sunday, 1 March 2026
Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth
Time: 5:00pm AWST/8:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
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IR Iran v CommBank Matildas
Date: Thursday, 5 March 2026
Venue: Gold Coast Stadium, Gold Coast
Time: 7:00pm AEST/8:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
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CommBank Matildas v Korea Republic
Date: Sunday, 8 March 2026
Venue: Stadium Australia, Sydney
Time: 8:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
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