CommBank Junior Matildas Head Coach Michael Cooper has named the 21-player squad that will make history at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026™, where Australia is set to compete at the tournament for the first time.
Australia secured its historic qualification at the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ with a 2-0 quarter-final victory over Vietnam, before the team went on to finish fourth at the tournament.
The squad retains the core group from its successful AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup campaign, reflecting the continuity and progress of a team that has developed together throughout the cycle. Sienna Calvanese and Rubi Sullivan come into the playing group, adding further depth ahead of the tournament.
Willa Pearson, Maeve Nicholas, Annabelle Croll and Rubi Sullivan have been named as the team's leadership group for the tournament. Pearson captained the CommBank Junior Matildas during the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup, and all four players have made important contributions throughout the team's journey.
The tournament will provide Australia's most promising young players with the opportunity to test themselves against some of the strongest youth programs in world football and gain valuable experience on the global stage.
Quote attributable to CommBank Junior Matildas Head Coach, Michael Cooper:
“To qualify for Australia’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup was a significant achievement, but now the players have earned the opportunity to take that next step and compete on the world stage.
“There has been a lot of hard work from this group over the past year, and we have seen the players continue to grow, both individually and as a team. We know that a World Cup presents a different level of challenge and that each of our opponents will provide a unique test.
“For the players, this is an opportunity to compete against some of the best young players in the world, learn from the experience and represent Australia with pride. We want them to embrace the challenge and make the most of what is a very special opportunity.”
The squad selection also highlights the importance of player pathways in Australia, with 17 of the 21 players selected for Morocco having participated in the 2025 CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships.
Quote attributable to Football Australia Executive Director of Football, Heather Garriock:
“To see this group selected for Australia’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is a significant milestone for Australian women’s football.
“This is a hugely exciting moment for the players, their families, their clubs, Member Federations and everyone who has played a role in their development.
“The strength of the pathway is reflected in this squad, and it is a great example of what can happen when there is investment in young talent.
“We are incredibly proud of this group and look forward to seeing them represent Australia and experience their first World Cup in Morocco.”
The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026™ will run from 17 October to 7 November 2026, with Australia drawn into Group F alongside Spain, Mexico and Chile.
Fans in Australia will be able to watch the CommBank Junior Matildas in action thanks to Football Australia’s broadcast partner, Paramount Australia.
COMMBANK JUNIOR MATILDAS SQUAD | FIFA U-17 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2026
| Name | Position | Club / Member Federation |
| Tehya ASPLAND | Defender | Canberra United/Capital Football |
| Charlotte BRADSHAW | Defender | Western Sydney Wanderers/Football NSW |
| Sienna CALVANESE | Forward | Melbourne Victory FC/Football Victoria |
| Claire CORBETT | Midfielder | Sydney FC/Football NSW |
| Annabelle CROLL | Goalkeeper | Football NSW |
| Mary DAL BROI | Defender | Western Sydney Wanderers/Football NSW |
| Dali GORR BURCHMORE | Goalkeeper | Melbourne City FC/Football Victoria |
| Leyla HUSSEIN | Forward | Melbourne Victory FC/Football Victoria |
| Kaya JUGOVIC | Forward | Melbourne City FC/Football Victoria |
| Frida KARABERIS | Midfielder | Western Sydney Wanderers/Football NSW |
| Sakura LEONG | Defender | Perth Glory/Football West |
| Theodora MOUITHYS MICKALAD | Forward | Football West Academy/Football West |
| Hayley MUIR | Defender | Perth Glory/Football NSW |
| Maeve NICHOLAS | Midfielder | Adelaide United/Football SA |
| Alyse OPPEDISANO | Goalkeeper | Sydney FC/Football NSW |
| Willa PEARSON | Defender | Sydney FC/Football NSW |
| Harper PELL | Defender | NWS Spirit FC/Football NSW |
| Abbie PUCKETT | Midfielder | Sydney FC/Football NSW |
| Keira SARRIS | Midfielder | Melbourne City FC/Football Victoria |
| Rubi SULLIVAN | Defender | Sydney FC/Football NSW |
| Jada TAYLOR | Forward | Sydney FC/Football NSW |
FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2026™ | MATCH SCHEDULE | GROUP F
CommBank Junior Matildas v Chile
Date: Monday, 19 October 2026 (Local)/ Tuesday, 20 October 2026 (AEDT)
Time: 6.00pm (Local)/ 5.00am (AEDT)
Venue: Mohammed VI Football Academy, Salé, Morocco
Spain v CommBank Junior Matildas
Date: Thursday, 22 October 2026 (Local)/ Friday, 23 October 2026 (AEDT)
Time: 3.00pm (Local)/ 2.00am (AEDT)
Venue: Mohammed VI Football Academy, Salé, Morocco
Mexico v CommBank Junior Matildas
Date: Sunday, 25 October 2026 (Local)/ Monday, 26 October 2026 (AEDT)
Time: 3.00pm (Local)/ 2.00am (AEDT)
Venue: Mohammed VI Football Academy, Salé, Morocco
