Montemurro Prepares Australia for AFC Women’s Asian Cup Amidst WSL Player Departures

Australia’s preparations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 are well underway, with Head Coach Joe Montemurro naming a 26-player squad featuring a significant contingent currently playing in the Women’s Super League (WSL) in England. This presents both opportunities and challenges as the tournament approaches, impacting clubs across the WSL.

Australian Players in the WSL

Thirteen of the 26 players selected for the Australian squad are currently competing in the WSL, highlighting the growing influence of Australian talent in England’s top flight. Montemurro acknowledges the disruption this causes for clubs but emphasizes the honor of representing one’s country. “The timing is never perfect,” he stated. “It’s unfortunate. But one thing clubs sometimes forget is that it’s an honour for these players to represent their country. These tournaments don’t come around often. For the Australian players, it’s a home tournament – the opportunity to do well in that is exciting.”

Impact on WSL Clubs

The timing of the tournament, running from March 1-21, 2026, coincides with crucial months in the WSL season. Should Australia progress to the final, English-based players could miss two WSL games and one FA Cup fifth-round match. Several key players are affected, including:

• Arsenal: Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley, and Kyra Cooney-Cross
• Chelsea: Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter – potentially missing the League Cup final against Manchester United on March 15 at Ashton Gate in Bristol if Australia reaches the quarter-finals.
• Other WSL Clubs: Charlize Rule (Brighton and Hove Albion), Claire Wheeler (Everton), Emily van Egmond (Leicester City), Alanna Kennedy (London City Lionesses), Kaitlyn Torpey (Newcastle United), Claire Hunt (Tottenham Hotspur), and Katrina Gorry (West Ham United).

Montemurro believes most clubs “now plan for such absences,” accepting the “pros and cons” of international representation.

Japan’s WSL Contingent

Australia is not the only nation impacted by WSL player departures. Japan has also called up 16 players from the WSL for their squad, including Ayaka Yamashita, Aoba Fujino, and Yui Hasegawa from league leaders Manchester City.

Mary Fowler’s Fitness

Montemurro has expressed confidence in Manchester City forward Mary Fowler’s recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Fowler has played only 15 minutes since the injury, sustained in April 2025, but Montemurro believes she will be fit to contribute to the tournament.

Squad Preparation and Travel

Players are scheduled to travel around February 21, 2026, to begin preparations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Montemurro stated the overwhelming feeling within the squad is one of preparedness, emphasizing the importance of having players consistently playing and ready to contribute. “We needed players ready, players prepared, and we needed players who can make an impact in those situations.”