The Matildas have signaled their intent for the upcoming 2026 FIFA Women’s Series in Nairobi by naming a star-studded 22-player squad that features some of the biggest names in world football.
Headlining the group is Chelsea’s forward Sam Kerr, who leads a roster packed with elite talent from Europe’s top leagues and the American NWSL.
Kerr, the nation’s all time Top Scorer is expected to captain the team.
The inclusion features high-profile figures such as Arsenal duo of Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord. These three players were recently honored with selections to the inaugural FIFPRO Asia/Oceania Women’s Asian Cup Team of the Tournament, with Alanna Kennedy also being recognized as the Asian Cup’s Most Valuable Player.
The defensive unit is anchored by veteran leadership, with London City Lionesses’ Alanna Kennedy and Leicester City’s Emily van Egmond bringing a combined wealth of international experience to the backline.
The squad also features a strong English Women’s Super League contingent, including Clare Wheeler of Everton and Charlize Rule of Brighton & Hove Albion.
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They are joined by rising stars and established European-based professionals such as Winonah Heatley of AS Roma, Courtney Nevin and Amy Sayer of Malmö FF, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s explosive forward Hayley Raso.
Coach Joe Montemurro has integrated several standout performers from the Australian A-League to this formidable team. Goalkeepers Morgan Aquino of DC Power and Brisbane Roar’s Chloe Lincoln join Melbourne City’s creative spark Leticia McKenna and teammate Holly McNamara to the team.
This squad is scheduled to begin its tournament campaign at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Saturday, April 11, with an opening match against Malawi. Depending on the outcome of that fixture, the team will then proceed to face either Kenya or India in their second match of the series.
The Australia women’s national team, the Matildas, arrive in Nairobi for the FIFA Women’s Series following a strong showing at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, where they finished as runners-up after a narrow 1-0 loss to Japan in the final.
Australia squad for FIFA Women’s Series in Nairobi
Morgan Aquino, Mackenzie Arnold, Steph Catley, Alex Chidiac, Caitlin Foord, Isabel Gomez, Winonah Heatley, Alanna Kennedy, Sam Kerr, Chloe Lincoln, Leticia McKenna, Holly McNamara, Jessika Nash, Courtney Nevin, Jamilla Rankin, Hayley Raso, Charlize Rule, Amy Sayer, Remy Siemsen, Kaitlyn Torpey, Emily van Egmond, and Clare Wheeler.