Melbourne Victory is proud to announce that Poppy O’Keeffe will represent Australia at the upcoming 2026 AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup.
The 17-year-old midfielder from Jeff Hopkins’ A-League Women’s squad has been named in Alex Epakis’ 23-player squad for the tournament’s 12th edition, hosted by Thailand next month.
Australia drew their Group C opponents during November and will begin their tournament by facing Chinese Taipei, ahead of matches with India and Japan.
Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, reacted to O’Keeffe’s call-up.
“We are excited for Poppy, a player long associated with Melbourne Victory, to have this opportunity to display what she is capable of on the continental stage, representing the Young Matildas.
“The Club will follow her and the team’s progress keenly, knowing that Poppy, playing beyond her age group, will do us proud.”
Wangaratta-born O’Keeffe, the first female to progress through the entire Victory Academy pathway and earn a first-team contract, made her Ninja A-League Women’s debut during the Club’s win against Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 2 of the 2025/26 season.
She was last called up for the Young Matildas in November 2025 for their international friendlies against Korea Republic.
Congratulations and good luck, Poppy!
MATCH DETAILS:
CommBank Young Matildas v Australia U20
Date: Thursday, April 2026
Kick-off: 4pm local/7pm AEST
Venue: Pathum Thani Stadium
India v Australia U20
Date: Sunday, April 5 2026
Kick-off: 4pm local/7pm AEST
Venue: Pathum Thani Stadium
Japan v Australia U20
Date: Wednesday, April 8 2026
Kick-off: 4pm local/7pm AEST
Venue: Nonthaburi Stadium
