by Staff Writer
Wednesday, 1st April 2026
West Ham United Women’s striker Riko Ueki has earned a place in the FIFPRO Asia/Oceania Team of the Tournament following her standout displays at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
The No.9 claimed the Golden Boot with six goals during the tournament in Australia, playing a key role in Japan women’s national football team lifting the trophy for the third time. Her contributions also helped secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Selected in the inaugural edition of the team, Ueki was voted into the final XI by over 100 players from across the competing nations, with every player who featured in the tournament eligible for selection.
Despite only entering the competition midway through Japan’s second group match against India, the 26-year-old made an immediate impact. Introduced at half-time, she netted a remarkable 18-minute hat-trick in Perth.
She followed that up with another goal just 21 minutes into her first start against Vietnam, before even scoring after a late substitute appearance in the quarter-final against the Philippines.
Her most significant contribution came in the semi-final, where she opened the scoring in a 4-1 victory over South Korea, setting Japan on their way to another final triumph.
Ueki returned to West Ham’s Chadwell Heath training ground to a warm reception, with teammates and staff forming a guard of honour to celebrate her achievement.
She was later joined by captain Katrina Gorry in receiving recognition from supporters ahead of their Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against London City Lionesses.
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