Melbourne: Head Coach Alex Epakis has officially unveiled a 23-player squad for the CommBank Young Matildas set to compete in the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026™, scheduled to take place in Thailand from April 1 to April 18.
The selected squad reflects a strong blend of current form and emerging talent within Australia’s youth football system. Standout performers including Alexia Apostolakis, Avaani Prakash, and Talia Younis have earned selection following consistent displays in the A-League Women this season, bringing both quality and leadership into the national setup.
Group Stage Challenge Ahead
Australia has been drawn in Group C, where they will face Japan, Chinese Taipei, and India. The Young Matildas will kick off their campaign against Chinese Taipei on April 2 at Pathum Thani Stadium.
Pathway to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup
The tournament also serves as a crucial qualification route for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026™, with the top four teams securing qualification. Australia will be aiming to finish among the elite to book their place on the global stage.
Coach Epakis Confident in Squad Strength
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Head Coach Alex Epakis emphasized the importance of the competition and the readiness of his squad:
“This is a tournament we’ve been building towards with clear intent. We’ve selected a group with the depth, versatility, and ambition needed to meet the challenges ahead.”
He highlighted that many players have valuable A-League Women experience, which strengthens the team’s identity and competitiveness.
“Despite some players being unavailable due to injury or non-release, this has opened opportunities for emerging talent. Thirteen players in this squad are still age-eligible for the next cycle, which is a strong positive for long-term development.”
Epakis also praised the squad’s attacking strength and mentality:
“What excites me most is the variety in attack, the ability to play fluid football, and a strong team-first mindset. We believe in what this group can achieve and aim to leave a strong mark on this tournament.”
Australia’s Mission
With a balanced squad, international exposure, and a clear development pathway, the Young Matildas will look to make a significant impact in Thailand and continue strengthening Australia’s presence in women’s youth football.
