{
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  "description": "Five Western Sydney Wanderers selected for CommBank Junior Matildas squad for AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026; squad aims for historic first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification.",
  "articleBody": "Five Wanderers named in CommBank Junior Matildas Squad for AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™\nLikely publishing date: 2026-04-13\n\nFive Wanderers named in CommBank Junior Matildas Squad for AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™\n\nShare on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook\n\nShare on X (Opens in new window)X\n\nCommBank Junior Matildas Head Coach Michael Cooper has named the 23-player squad set to compete in the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™, running May 1-17, 2026 in Suzhou, China.\n\nCooper has selected a well-balanced squad, enabling the team to play its style of football and provide a variety of options across the games. Many of the selected players have gained valuable experience with the CommBank Junior Matildas and their clubs over the past twelve months that will be key to the tournament and demonstrate exciting prospects for the future of Australian football.\n\nAustralia has been placed in Group B, alongside Japan (Pot 1), India (Pot 3) and Lebanon (Pot 4).\n\nThe AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ also serves as the qualification pathway for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026™, with the top four teams earning a place at the global event. Australia will be pushing to claim one of those coveted qualification spots and, in doing so, secure the CommBank Junior Matildas’ first-ever appearance.\n\nCommBank Junior Matildas Head Coach Michael Cooper said the squad are excited to embrace the challenge of the upcoming tournament.\n\n“This group represents a strong blend of players who have consistently demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a real appetite to learn. The squad reflects the growth we’ve seen over time, not only in individual performances but in how these players have embraced the demands of international football and responded to challenges together.\n\n“There’s a clear sense of purpose within the team heading into this tournament. The opportunity to compete at an AFC Asian Cup, alongside some of the strongest nations in the region, is significant and the squad are eager to prove themselves. The players understand what’s at stake and are committed to preparing thoroughly, competing with intent, and giving themselves every chance to be part of something special.\n\n“Beyond the tournament itself, this experience is a valuable part of the players’ journey. Competing in an environment like this helps accelerate their development and prepares them for the demands of international football as they progress through the pathway toward senior representation.”\n\nCOMMBANK JUNIOR MATILDAS | SQUAD | AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™\n\nFixtures | Group B | AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026\n\nCommBank Junior Matildas v IndiaDate:Saturday, 2 May 2026Kick-off:7.30pm local\n\n9:30pm AESTVenue:Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre\n\nLebanon v CommBank Junior MatildasDate:Tuesday, 5 May 2026Kick-off:3.30pm local\n\n5:30pm AESTVenue:Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre\n\nJapan v CommBank Junior MatildasDate:Friday, 8 May 2026Kick-off:3.30pm local\n\n5:30pm AESTVenue:Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre\n\nShareShareShare this link viaShare this:Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)FacebookShare on X (Opens in new window)XOr Copy LinkCopy\n\nShare on Facebook (Opens in new window)\n\nShare on X (Opens in new window)\n\nKeep up with our latest news and events. Subscribe to our newsletter.\n\nSix Wanderers named in CommBank Joeys squad for ASEAN U17 Championship 2026\n\nNPL Women’s Preview: Northern Tigers v Wanderers\n\nNPL 1 Preview: Wanderers v NWS Spirit\n\n3 days agoWestern Sydney Wanderers FC\n\nCommBank Joeys Head Coach Carl Veart has named his 23-player squad to represent Australia at the ASEAN U17 Championship 2026 to be held in Surabaya, Indonesia from 8–24 April. Australia, the defending champion after winning the 2024 edition of the...",
  "url": "https://wswanderersfc.com.au/news/five-wanderers-named-in-commbank-junior-matildas-squad-for-afc-u-17-womens-asian-cup-china-2026/",
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