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By MICHAEL PONTICELLO FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 11: 49 AEDT, 19 February 2026 | Updated: 12: 45 AEDT, 19 February 2026 3 View comments In a major relief for football fans, Matildas star Mary Fowler has been named in Australia's squad to take part in the upcoming Asian Cup on home soil. Fowler, 23, is set to wear national colours for the first time since her ACL injury last April. The tournament, which begins on March 1, will be the first for new coach Joe Montemurro and superstar Sam Kerr will lead the side as captain. Australia's marquee player is the central figure in a leadership trio, with Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley maintaining their roles as vice-captains. The Matildas squad features eight players who will take part in their first Asian Cup, with Australia opening the tournament against the Philippines. Winonah Heatley, Clare Hunt, Kahli Johnson, Jamilla Rankin, Charlize Rule, Amy Sayer, Kaitlyn Torpey and Jada Whyman are all potential debutants. Mary Fowler will return for the Matildas after recovering from an ACL injury The workload of the 23-year-old (pictured, with boyfriend and NRL superstar Nathan Cleary) is likely to be managed Fowler will join the Matildas team captained by veteran striker Sam Kerr (pictured) Montemurro, who only recently took over as Matildas coach, has since admitted choosing his squad has been arduous. 'Selecting a squad is never easy, but it is a privilege to bring together players who truly represent the identity and spirit of the Matildas, ' he said. 'We have selected a strong mix of experienced leaders who understand what it means to wear the green and gold. '(They will be) alongside younger players who have earned their opportunity and will play a vital role in our future. ' Montemurro also explained his squad is well aware they are privileged to host the tournament. 'It is an honour we do not take lightly, ' he added. 'The team is ready, focused and determined to make the nation proud, and we look forward to sharing this moment with fans across the country. ' Australia bombed out in the quarter-finals of the last Asian Cup after losing to South Korea. The Manchester City forward (pictured) recently returned to play in the Women's Super League Matildas coach Joe Montemurro (pictured) knows he has a major challenge in his first Asian Cup in charge The Matildas won the tournament back in 2010. Australia's 26-player squad: Alanna Kennedy, Alex Chidiac, Amy Sayer, Caitlin Foord, Charlize Rule, Clare Hunt, Clare Wheeler, Courtney Nevin, Ellie Carpenter (vc), Emily Van Egmond, Hayley Raso, Holly Mc Namara, Jada Whyman, Jamilla Rankin, Kahli Johnson, Kaitlyn Torpey, Katrina Gorry, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Mackenzie Arnold, Mary Fowler, Michelle Heyman, Remy Siemsen, Sam Kerr (c), Steph Catley (vc), Teagan Micah and Winonah Heatley. Channel 10 and Paramount+ will provide live coverage of Matildas fixtures during the Asian Cup.
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