Australian Women's Squad Set for FIFA WC 2026 Qualifiers

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Australian Squad Update for FIFA Women's World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Seven members of the Australian team that secured a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics are set to participate in the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup 2026 qualifying tournament in Istanbul. The lineup features prominent players including Alana Smith and Ezi Magbegor, both of whom performed remarkably in Paris, averaging vital points and rebounds per game.

Alana Smith, who recently had a successful WNBA season with the Minnesota Lynx, shared the prestigious Defensive Player of the Year title with Asia Wilson. Ezi Magbegor, a player for the Seattle Storm, added another accolade to her resume by securing her third all-defensive second team honor while also earning a first team selection in 2024.

The Australian roster is further bolstered by the addition of playmaker Jade Melbourne and rising guard Isabelle Borlas, alongside veterans Kayla George, Sammy Whitcomb, and Steph Talbot. These athletes return from the Olympic squad to aim for success in the World Cup qualifiers.

Having already secured their place at the World Cup as the FIFA Women's Asia Cup champions, Australia is scheduled to start their qualifying campaign against Argentina on March 11. Subsequent matches include encounters with Japan, Hungary, host nation Turkey, and Canada.