The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has announced a 26-member squad for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, featuring Sweden-based Anika Rania Siddique along with youngsters Alpi Akter and Munki Akter.
Anika, who was born and raised in Sweden, is yet to make her international debut. She becomes only the second expatriate player to be included in the Bangladesh women’s squad after Japan-born Matsushima Sumaya and the first Europe-based footballer to earn a call-up.
Alpi Akter recently impressed with the Bangladesh U-19 national team at the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship 2026 in Nepal earlier this month. She scored seven goals in four matches, including two hat-tricks, to finish as the tournament’s top scorer and best player.
Sauravi Afrin is another new face in coach Peter Butler’s squad, while Airin Khatun and Sauravi Akanda Prity return to the senior national team.
Munki Akter, who was not included in the English coach’s 26-member preliminary squad announced on January 28, has also made the final list. The 17-year-old midfielder earned her place following recent performances
The women in red and green will be participating in the Asian Cup finals for the first time in their history.
The team is scheduled to fly to Australia early Friday.
Bangladesh topped their qualifying group in Yangon last year, defeating Bahrain, Myanmar and Turkmenistan to emerge as group champions and secure a place in the finals.
The 12 top Asian teams, divided into three groups, will compete in the tournament in Australia from March 1 to 21, 2026.
Bangladesh have been placed in Group B alongside reigning champions China, three-time winners North Korea and Uzbekistan.
The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed sides, will advance to the quarter-finals. The four semi-finalists will qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027, while the losing quarter-finalists will enter playoffs for two additional World Cup spots.
Squad: Rupna Chakma, Mile Akter, Swarna Rani Mandal, Afeida Khandakar (captain), Kohati Kisku, Nabiran Khatun, Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnajar (senior), Mst Halima Khatun, Surovi Akter Afin, Sapna Rani, Munki Akter, Airin Khatun, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Umehla Marma, Ritu Porna Chakma, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Anika Rania Siddiqui, Unnoti Khatun, Alpi Akter, Sauravi AAkanda Prity, Most Sultana Tohura Khatun, Mst Sagorika and Shamsunnahar (junior).