Australia and Thailand continued their fine form in the Women’s FIFA Series 2026™ by defeating Kenya and Congo DR respectively to secure title triumphs. Elsewhere, Indonesia downed New Caledonia while India beat Malawi to seal third-place finishes.
FIFA Series Thailand
Indonesia goals: Emily Nahon (19), Sheva Furyzcha (28, 53) Claudia Scheunemann (59)
New Caledonia goals: Julia Honakoko (61), Leana Hmae (80)
With both nations coming off first-up defeats it was Indonesia that started brighter on the outskirts of Bangkok as 18-year-old Emily Nahon grabbed her first international goal, tucking home a Helsya Maeisyaroh corner at the back post. That preceded a superb second that saw Sheva Furyzcha send a dipping 30-yard free-kick past a stranded Elizabeth Aben in the New Caledonia goal.
Furyzcha conjured up a slick second – on a day where she doubled her international goal tally – shortly after the restart before 16-year-old starlet Claudia Scheunemann thumped home a volley from the top of the box to make it four just shy of the hour.
New Caledonia pegged a goal back – their first of the Series – as substitute Julia Honakoko danced past and around four defenders before steering an effort into the far corner. A looping Leana Hmae finish then pulled the OFC team a touch closer but that was as close as they got, with Indonesia ending the Series in third place.
Thailand goals: Matilda Maartensson (60), Wirunya Kwenkasikum (90+4)
Wirunya Kwenkasikum scored a brilliant solo effort in stoppage time to seal the title for Thailand in front of their jubilant fans. The Thai substitute picked up the ball in her own half, skipped past two defenders and from 40 yards out chipped over Congo DR stopper Ruth Khonde, who tipped the ball into her own net.
It was a thoroughly deserved victory for Thailand, who almost opened the scoring early in the second half when a leaping header from Matilda Maartensson was tipped wide by Khonde. Maartensson could not be stopped, however, and just moments later she guided a Chatchawan Rodthong corner into the net with another expert set-piece play.
Congo DR substitute Grace Mfwamba had a glorious chance to equalise in the 66th minute but she struck wide after a mistake from Thai keeper Tiffany Sornpao, who made series of fine saves in stoppage time prior to Kwenkasikum’s final hurrah.
FIFA Series Kenya
India goals: Astam Oraon (18), Aveka Singh (45+1), Priyadharshini Selladurai (84)
Malawi goals: Ireen Khumalo (43), Henry Deborah (60)
India struck late to edge Malawi in a five-goal thriller and clinch third spot. The Blue Tigresses went ahead when Astam Oraon bundled in after a corner, before Ireen Khumalo’s curling free-kick drew Malawi level.
Aveka Singh volleyed India back in front on the stroke of half-time, but the African side dug deep and bagged another equaliser through Deborah Henry’s smart finish.
India were to have the last word, though, with Priyadharshini Selladurai lashing home the winner six minutes from time.
Australia goals: Sam Kerr (25), Clare Wheeler (54)
Sam Kerr was on target once again as Australia continued their FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ preparations in fine fashion by securing another title.
Following her strike in the 5-0 victory over Malawi, the Matildas legend opened the scoring with a 15-yard effort which trickled past Kenya goalkeeper Lilian Onyango and into the net. Onyango had, moments earlier, come off her line to block a dangerous effort from the superstar forward.
Australia continued to push for a second and found it early in the second half through Clare Wheeler, who weaved her way past two defenders and neatly side-footed the ball home. Soon afterwards Caitlin Foord fired the ball into the roof of the net but the effort was disallowed by the referee.
