The Australia women’s national football team , Matildas were crowned champions of the FIFA Women’s Football Series 2026 after a composed 2-0 victory over the Kenya women’s national football team , Harambee Starlets in front of a vibrant crowd at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi on Wednesday evening.
In a final that tested both sides, Australia’s quality ultimately proved decisive, with captain Sam Kerr and midfielder Clare Wheeler finding the net in either half to seal the title.
Australia made a few adjustments from their dominant semifinal win over Malawi, with Jamilla Rankin, Alanna Kennedy, and Amy Sayer stepping into the starting lineup. Despite the changes, the Matildas were immediately pushed by a confident Kenyan side determined to rise to the occasion on home soil.
Kenya showed early intent, with goalkeeper Lilian Awuor called into action within the opening minutes to deny Australia, while defenders Elizabeth Ochaka and Nasaka Vivian stood firm under sustained pressure. The Starlets also threatened going forward, Martha Amunyolete’s delivery from a set piece nearly creating an early breakthrough, while Tereza Engesha’s movement in behind kept Australia alert.
The breakthrough came in a scrappy but decisive moment. After being denied in a one on one situation, Kerr reacted quickest from a corner situation, turning the ball home at the back post. The effort slipped past Awuor and into the net, handing Australia the lead and marking Kerr’s 75th international goal.
Kenya responded with resilience. Mwanahalima Adam came close from close range before Shirleen Opisa forced a sharp save from Mackenzie Arnold. Fasila Odhiambo then rattled the post late in the half as the Starlets pushed for an equaliser, but Australia carried a narrow lead into the break.
The second half saw Australia tighten control, though Kenya remained competitive. A well worked move between Kerr and Caitlin Foord nearly produced a second, but the chance went begging. Moments later, however, the Matildas found the cushion they needed.
Foord drove into the penalty area before cutting the ball back to Wheeler, who showed composure to glide past defenders and finish clinically for her third international goal, doubling Australia’s advantage.
Kenya responded with changes, introducing fresh legs in search of a way back into the match, but Australia’s structure and experience began to show. A third goal looked likely when Foord found the net from a volley, only for the effort to be ruled out, keeping the scoreline at two.
Late substitutions allowed Australia to manage the game, while still posing a threat going forward, with Holly McNamara going close in the closing stages.
At full time, the Matildas secured a deserved victory, capping off an impressive tournament that showcased both their attacking depth and ability to manage different match situations, especially in what was their first ever appearance on African soil.
Earlier in the day, the India women’s national football team claimed third place after edging the Malawi women’s national football team 3-2 in a lively playoff encounter. India struck first through Astam Oraon before Ireen Khumalo equalised for Malawi. Aveka Singh restored India’s lead before Deborah Henry pulled Malawi level again, but Singh’s late goal ultimately settled the contest.
Malawi head coach Lovemore Fazili admitted disappointment with the result, pointing to lapses in concentration while also emphasizing the importance of the tournament as preparation for upcoming competitions, including WAFCON.
