East London: Ueki in FIFPRO Asia Team of Tournament, West Ham 2026

Key Points

• West Ham United women’s team striker Riko Ueki named in the inaugural FIFPRO Asia/Oceania Team of the Tournament for her performances at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
• Ueki won the Golden Boot with six goals, helping Japan secure their third title in the competition’s history.
• The Team of the Tournament was voted on by more than 100 players from participating nations, with all players who made an appearance eligible.
• Ueki scored a goal every 37 minutes on average during the tournament in Australia.
• This was her first major tournament win with Japan, securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
• Her tournament journey began midway through Japan’s second group game against India, where she scored an 18-minute hat-trick as a half-time substitute at Perth Rectangular Stadium.
• In her first start against Vietnam in the final group-stage match, she scored her fourth goal in 21 minutes.
• She scored in the quarter-final against the Philippines after entering as a 90th-minute substitute.
• Her most crucial goal came in the semi-final against South Korea at Stadium Australia, opening the scoring in a 4-1 victory.
• Upon return, Ueki was greeted at West Ham’s Chadwell Heath training ground with a guard of honour from teammates and staff, including confetti cannons.

East London (East London Times) April 1, 2026 – West Ham United women’s striker Riko Ueki has earned a spot in the inaugural FIFPRO Asia/Oceania Team of the Tournament, celebrated for her starring role in Japan’s triumphant 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign Down Under.

The 26-year-old forward clinched the Golden Boot with an impressive six goals, propelling Japan to their third title in the competition’s history and booking their place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Her selection highlights her blistering form, averaging a goal every 37 minutes across her appearances.

Who Was Selected for the FIFPRO Asia/Oceania Team of the Tournament?

The prestigious XI was determined through votes cast by more than 100 players from the participating nations at the Women’s Asian Cup, with every player who featured eligible for inclusion. As detailed in the official West Ham United announcement, Ueki’s inclusion marks her as one of the standout performers in this first-ever edition.

Reports from multiple sources, including the club’s statement, emphasise the democratic nature of the selection process.

“In the inaugural edition of the FIFPRO Asia/Oceania Team of the Tournament, the final XI was voted on by more than 100 players from participating nations at the Women’s Asian Cup, with all players who made an appearance eligible for selection,”

the West Ham United media release stated verbatim.

How Did Riko Ueki Win the Golden Boot?

Ueki’s path to the Golden Boot was nothing short of spectacular, particularly given her late entry into the tournament. As reported by West Ham United’s official channels, her Women’s Asian Cup journey “didn’t begin until midway through Japan’s second game, against India.”

She exploded onto the scene with an 18-minute hat-trick at Perth Rectangular Stadium after coming on as a half-time substitute. The 26-year-old then claimed her first start in Japan’s final group-stage match against Vietnam, needing just 21 minutes to net her fourth goal of the tournament.

Her momentum continued into the knockout stages. In the quarter-final tie with the Philippines, Ueki entered as a 90th-minute substitute and still managed to score, showcasing her predatory instincts.

The pinnacle came in the semi-finals against South Korea at Stadium Australia.

“But perhaps the most important of the six goals came in the semi-finals, against South Korea at Stadium Australia, as she got her team up and running in a game they eventually ran out 4-1 winners,”

according to the West Ham United report.

Overall, her efficiency – a goal every 37 minutes – underscored her dominance, as highlighted across club coverage.

What Impact Did Ueki Have on Japan’s Tournament Success?

Japan’s victory marked their third Women’s Asian Cup title, a feat directly bolstered by Ueki’s contributions.

“Our No9 took home the Golden Boot with six goals Down Under, as she helped Japan win the competition for the third time in her history,”

West Ham United proclaimed in their celebratory post.

This success also secured Japan’s qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, Ueki’s first major tournament triumph with her country.

“Ueki starred in Australia, scoring a goal every 37 minutes to win her first major tournament with her country and help Japan secure their spot at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil,”

the club’s statement noted.

Her goals proved pivotal at every stage, from group progression to semi-final dominance, ensuring Japan’s path to glory remained unerring.

When and Where Did Ueki Score Her Key Goals?

Ueki’s goals were distributed masterfully across the tournament venues in Australia. Her hat-trick against India unfolded at Perth Rectangular Stadium, igniting Japan’s campaign post-half-time.

Against Vietnam, her fourth strike came swiftly in her debut start during the group finale. The quarter-final goal versus the Philippines arrived late, after a 90th-minute introduction, demonstrating her knack for decisive interventions.

The semi-final opener against South Korea echoed through Stadium Australia, setting the tone for a 4-1 rout. These moments, as chronicled in West Ham’s detailed recap, painted a picture of relentless scoring prowess.

Why Is This Achievement Significant for West Ham United?

Back in East London, Ueki’s heroics have sparked jubilation at the club. Upon her return to the Chadwell Heath training ground,

“The striker returned to Chadwell Heath training ground where she was greeted by her teammates and staff, who formed a guard of honour for her to run through, releasing confetti cannons as they celebrated her success,”

per the official West Ham United account.

This warm reception underscores her growing stature within the West Ham United women’s team, blending international acclaim with domestic pride. As a key forward – dubbed “Our No9” – her form promises to elevate the Hammers’ ambitions in the Women’s Super League and beyond.

How Has Ueki’s Form Evolved Leading into This Tournament?

Prior to the Asian Cup, Ueki had been adapting seamlessly to life at West Ham since joining the women’s setup. Her tournament exploits build on a solid club foundation, where her clinical finishing has already turned heads.

The late start to her international involvement – missing Japan’s opening game – only amplified her impact, proving her readiness for high-stakes football. Sources close to the team, via West Ham’s coverage, note her rapid integration and goal-scoring instinct as hallmarks of her 26-year-old career trajectory.

What’s Next for Riko Ueki and Japan?

With World Cup qualification locked in, Ueki now turns her focus to club duties at West Ham, where her international glow could fuel a strong end to the domestic season. Japan, meanwhile, prepares for Brazil 2027 as continental champions.

Her Golden Boot and Team of the Tournament nod position her as a rising star in women’s football, potentially attracting wider attention. West Ham United’s endorsement signals confidence in her continued contributions.

Broader Context: The 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Overview

The tournament, hosted across Australia, showcased top Asian and Oceanian talent. Japan’s third triumph reaffirmed their status as a powerhouse, with Ueki’s six goals outshining rivals.

Participating nations’ players’ votes ensured a peer-recognised XI, adding authenticity to selections like Ueki’s. Stadiums such as Perth Rectangular and Stadium Australia hosted memorable clashes, from Ueki’s hat-trick to the semi-final thriller.