AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Final Australia vs Japan: Top five players to watch

Samantha Kerr will be a key player in the final of AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026

Japan and Australia will lock horns on Saturday in the final of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026. Both sides have remained unbeaten in the tournament so far.

While Japan have been lethal in front of goal, the Matildas have faced and taken down comparatively tougher opponents.

Here are the five players who can turn the tide and will be the gamechangers for their respective teams in their hunt for silverware in the final:

Riko Ueki (Japan)

The 26-year-old has been in lethal form in the AFC Asian Cup 2026 and is the top goal scorer in the tournament.

Riko Ueki, who plays for West Ham United’s women’s team at club level, has scored in all four appearances and this includes a hattrick that she scored in the 11-0 win over the Indian women’s football team.

Riko Ueki has scored a total of six goals and also has an assist to her name. Japan’s number nine will once again be the focal point of their attack as they look to take him their third AFC Women’s Asian Cup title.

Samantha Kerr (Australia)

Picking Samantha Kerr as Australia’s go-to player is a no-brainer as she has proven her worth over so many seasons with the Chelsea Women’s team. Consistency and hunger have taken the striker to the top of world football, and she is one of the most recognized players in the Women’s game.

Australia’s captain has led from the front, scoring four goals and also providing an assist in five Women’s Asian Cup 2026 games.

Her goals against North Korea and China proved to be matchwinners and helped her side qualify to the final.

Hinata Miyazawa (Japan)

Manchester United Women’s team player Hinata Miyazawa will be tasked to keep Japan’s midfield intact and provide goalscoring opportunities against Australia.

The 26-year-old has three goals and three assists to her name in this Women’s Asian Cup.

Primarily playing as a central midfielder, Hinata Miyazawa can also play a deeper role and expect her to do this if Japan takes the lead in the final.

Alanna Kennedy (Australia)

Speaking about the Australian midfield, we will see the veteran Alanna Kennedy leading the ranks. The versatile central midfielder has been quite sharp in this tournament and has been a fixture in the Matildas’ lineup.

The London City Lionesses’ midfielder has scored five goals in this tournament including a strike against North Korea in the quarterfinals.

The 31-year-old brings in vast experience of playing in the Women’s A-League and the Women’s Super League so expect her to run the play for her nation.

Toko Koga (Japan)

Just 20 years of age, Toko Koga has already become a fixture in the Japan Women’s team and the Tottenham Hotspur Women’s team. The central defender stands at 5 feet 8 inches and is physically strong inside her box.

Japan has conceded just one goal in five AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 games and Toko Koga has made four appearances as a centreback.

Aside from her defensive duties, she also scored twice against the Philippines in the quarterfinals, making her an attacking threat from corner kicks as well.

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