The first-ever edition of the Women’s FIFA Series 2026™ begins on 9 April, with 16 nations playing across four countries. The event, which follows on from the men’s edition last month, pairs teams who wouldn’t ordinarily face each other.
Here, FIFA has detailed six players to keep an eye on as the action unfolds.
Barbra Banda – Zambia
Banda only turned 26 last month, but has already achieved plenty in her career to date. She’s Zambia’s all-time record scorer, has netted at the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ and the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, and is the only female player to score three hat-tricks at the Games. She’s already registered three goals in five matches for Orlando Pride this season, and will look to take that form into this event.
Zambia will face Canada, Brazil and Korea Republic in the FIFA Series.
Kadeisha Buchanan – Canada
After 18 months out of the Canada setup with an ACL tear, centre-back Buchanan is back and raring to go ahead of the FIFA Series. Adept at smelling danger, strong in the tackle, comfortable on the ball and with more than 150 caps to her name, the 30-year-old’s return represents a big boost for coach Casey Stoney.
Canada will face Zambia, Korea Republic and Brazil.
Lee Geummin – Korea Republic
One of the most experienced players taking part in the FIFA Series, versatile midfielder Geummin is closing in on 100 appearances for the Taegeuk Ladies and has previously impressed on the global stage at two Women’s World Cups. Geummin, who is able to play centrally or out wide, is currently starring for Women’s Super League 2 side Birmingham City, and will be out to further her reputation here.
Korea Republic will face Brazil, Canada and Zambia.
Merveille Kanjinga – Congo DR
Forward Kanjinga is spearheading Congo DR’s rise on the international scene, as the Léopards eye a spot in the top 100 of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking for the first time in more than a decade. The 23-year-old joined Paris Saint-Germain last year following a trophy-laden spell with TP Mazembe in her homeland, and has continued to star in the French capital with ten goals and eight assists from just 18 league appearances this term.
Congo DR will face Indonesia and either Thailand or New Caledonia.
Kerolin – Brazil
One of the stars of the current Women’s Super League season, Kerolin is helping to supercharge Manchester City’s surge towards a first title in ten years. The 26-year-old has eight goals and five assists at the time of writing, a combined tally only bettered by two players, while managing an exceptional 1.08 goals per 90 minutes. Blessed with pace, power and spellbindingly quick feet, she is certainly a player to keep an eye on.
Brazil will face Korea Republic, Zambia and Canada.
Sam Kerr – Australia
Kerr, like Chelsea team-mate Buchanan, has only recently returned from an ACL injury but is quickly making up for lost time. The superstar forward netted her first Matildas goals since 2023 during the recent AFC Women’s Asian Cup, notching four times including the winner in the semi-finals. Blessed with exceptional movement and lethal finishing, Kerr will no doubt look to add to her 73 international goals here.
Australia will face Malawi and either Kenya or India.
