PRESS RELEASE – Guam will officially open its bid in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ Australia 2026 Qualifiers Sunday afternoon against the United Arab Emirates at the Viet Tri Stadium in Vietnam.
Head Coach Kimberly Sherman called up 23 players for the tournament, which will serve as the qualification stage for next year’s final round and ultimately lead to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ for the top teams in Asia.
“I look forward to seeing this squad take the field,” Sherman said. “Every player embodies the spirit and pride of representing Guam. With the seasoned leadership of our senior players — who set standards and manage key moments —combined with the fearless energy and fresh perspectives of our newer talent, we are built with the strength to grow and evolve throughout the tournament.”
Called up to represent Guam are goalkeepers Isabella Hara, Gabrielle Moser, and Sierra Ruehl and 20 field players: Mariah Anaya, Rebecca Bartosh, Maile Chargualaf, Marlena Connelley, Ariya Cruz, Kalle Damian, True Dydasco, Olivia Haddock, Jaelyn Han, Samantha Kenney, Cassandra Kido, Melia Kukahiko, Kaia Malakooti, Monica Marquez, Jenna Merrill, Jenae Perez, Mihaela Perez, Hinengi San Nicolas, Lexi Taitague, and Kaia Villanueva.
Guam’s first match will kick off at 4 p.m. local time (7 p.m. Guam time) against United Arab Emirates Sunday. Guam will next play against the Maldives July 2 at 4 p.m. local time (7 p.m. Guam time). Guam’s final match of the qualification round will be against the host country Vietnam July 5 at 7 p.m. local time (10 p.m. Guam time).
Live stream links for the matches will be announced across Guam Football Association’s social media accounts once provided by the Vietnam Football Federation.
A full listing of all fixtures in the eight-group qualification round in online: https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup/fixtures.html
Only the winning teams from each group will move on to the tournament’s final round. Already in the final round are defending champion China PR, Japan, Korea Republic, and host Australia.
Prior to the tournament, Guam took part in a short training camp that included a friendly match against Cambodia in Phnom Penh, with the host country winning 1-0. Players and staff later moved to Viet Tri City Friday ahead of Sunday’s opening match.
Traveling staff with Sherman are Technical Director Ross Awa, Assistant Coach Mike Milner, Goalkeeper Coach Jeroen Bos, Team Manager Vance Manibusan, Dr. Mikhaela Razon, Physiotherapist Kelsey Kuehn, and Media Officer Ashley Marques.
Masakada authentic jerseys are in stock and available for purchase at https://gufanshop.myshopify.com/
