Centre Pass Media

Pool A at the 2026 Commonwealth Games promises to deliver some of the tournament’s biggest clashes, bringing together established contenders, emerging challengers and teams eager to make their mark on the Commonwealth stage.

World number one and reigning Commonwealth champions Australia headline the group, alongside 2018 Commonwealth champions England, an increasingly confident South Africa side, and three nations hoping to upset the odds in Glasgow: Malawi, Tonga, and Northern Ireland. With three of the world’s top five teams drawn together, every fixture could have major implications in the race for the semi-finals.

Australia

World Ranking: 1 (June 2026)

Team:

Kiera Austin, Courtney Bruce, Sophie Dwyer, Sophie Garbin, Matilda Garrett, Georgie Horjus, Sarah Klau, Cara Koenen, Kate Moloney, Jamie-Lee Price, Liz Watson (C), Jo Weston

Embed from Getty Images

Australia arrive in Glasgow as overwhelming favourites to retain Commonwealth Games gold after their impressive run of form since 2022, retaining the World Cup gold as well as multiple international series. Sitting at the top of the World Netball rankings, the Diamonds continue to set the international standard with an impressive squad depth, physicality and tactical versatility.

Captain Liz Watson leads an experienced side with nine players with experience in tournaments abroad, plus a few relative newcomers. The attack end is an experienced rotating circle with Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin offering a proven shooting combination, which has impressed in the Suncorp Super Netball league. Defensively, Courtney Bruce, Sarah Klau and Jo Weston form one of world netball’s strongest units, consistently forcing turnovers against top attackers.

Recent form suggests Australia enter the Games in excellent shape. Three dominant victories over Jamaica in February reinforced their status as the team to beat, although defeats to New Zealand in the 2025 Constellation Cup served as a reminder that the gap at the top remains fiercely competitive despite them retaining that series in the end.

England

World Ranking: 3 (June 2026)

Team:

Halimat Adio, Imogen Allison, Eleanor Cardwell, Amy Carter, Ella Clarke, Funmi Fadoju, Sasha Glasgow, Lois Pearson, Jayda Pechova, Jess Shaw, Liv Tchine, Fran Williams (C)

Embed from Getty Images

England head into their home Commonwealth Games as genuine medal contenders, combining experienced internationals with an exciting generation of emerging talent.

Captain Fran Williams continues to anchor the Roses’ defence alongside the athletic Funmi Fadoju, while Imogen Allison offers valuable versatility across the defensive third. In attack, Eleanor Cardwell and Liv Tchine provide reliable shooting options, with Sasha Glasgow adding creativity and movement around the circle.

The inclusion of younger players such as Jayda Pechova, Amy Carter and Ella Clarke reflects England’s continued investment in developing the next generation of international talent.

England’s recent series defeat against South Africa highlighted their areas for improvement as the Roses claimed one victory but suffered two defeats, underlining how competitive that rivalry has become. Earlier dominant performances against Jamaica, however, showcased the level England can reach when firing on all cylinders.

South Africa

World Ranking: 5 (June 2026)

Team:

Khanyisa Chawane (C), Jamie Golob, Kamogelo Maseko, Tarle Mathe, Owethu Ngubane, Refiloe Nketsa, Karla Pretorius, Nicola Smith, Rolene Streutker, Elmerè van der Berg, Karla Victor, Sanmarie Visser

Embed from Getty Images

South Africa arrive in Glasgow with growing belief that they can challenge the sport’s traditional top four. Ranked fifth in the world, the SPAR Proteas have continued their upward trajectory under head coach Jenny van Dyk.

Captain Khanyisa Chawane leads a balanced squad that combines experienced leaders with exciting young talent. Veteran defender Karla Pretorius remains one of the game’s elite defenders, while the attac end is experienced, reliable and flexible. The shooting end includes Elmere van der Berg and Kamogelo Maseko who both had impressive domestic seasons. 

Their recent series win over England was one of the biggest statements of intent heading into the Games, proving they have the ability to compete with the world’s best on a consistent basis after two big wins over Uganda and Zimbabwe. 

Malawi

World Ranking: 9 (June 2026)

Team:

Mphatso Banda, Sophilet Banda, Shabel Bengo, Martha Dambo, Aisha Gama, Florence Jeke, Mwai Kumwenda, Takondwa Lwazi, Tendai Masamba, Stella Matelezi, Ethel Ng’ambi, Melia Soko

Embed from Getty Images

Malawi have been stuck in seventh place at three of the last four major tournaments but remain one of the most entertaining sides in international netball and will once again rely on their speed, flair and fearless attacking style to challenge higher-ranked opposition.

Experienced shooter Mwai Kumwenda provides invaluable leadership and composure in the circle, while the Queens’ ability to transition quickly through court has long made them a difficult side to defend. The team includes five athletes from last year’s Netball World Youth Cup side (who also finished in seventh place) with Sophilet Banda, Aisha Gama, Florence Jeke, Melia Soko and Stella Matelezi.

Results in late 2025 were mixed, with victories over Tanzania and Botswana offset by defeats to Zimbabwe, Uganda and South Africa. Consistency will be key if Malawi are to challenge for a semi-final place, but their unpredictable style means they are more than capable of causing an upset.

Tonga

Team:

Alice Cocker, Emma Mateo, Halaevalu Toutaiolepo, Hulita Veve, Isabella Fainga’anuku, Kalolaine Luana Aukafolau, Lavinia Lavea, Leila Tu’inukuafe, Marie Payn, ʻOtolose Fainga’anuku, Sovika Pousini, Uneeq Palavi

Embed from Getty Images

Ranked eighth in the world, the Pacific side has earned a reputation for their physical style, defensive intensity and growing confidence on the international stage.

The squad boasts a number of players with experience competing overseas, giving Tonga the ability to match more established nations physically while continuing to develop their attacking combinations. Noticeably, Hulita Veve, who returns to international netball for the first time since rupturing her ACL during the 2025 SSN Season, and Uneeq Palavi will be hoping to bring their experience from the Suncorp Super Netball league to challenge the world’s best. 

Their most recent competition in 2025 produced encouraging victories over Fiji and Papua New Guinea, although losses to Scotland and Samoa highlighted the need for greater consistency. 

Northern Ireland

World Ranking: 14 (June 2026)

Team: 

Lisa Bowman, Niamh Cooper, Frances Keenan, Emma Magee, Michelle Magee, Maria McCann, Evelyn McCagherty, Georgie McGrath, Caroline O’Hanlon, Orlaith Rogers, Fionnuala Toner, Laureen Walshe

Embed from Getty Images

Northern Ireland head to Glasgow aiming to gain valuable experience against some of the world’s strongest netball nations. Ranked 14th globally, Sheonah Forbes’ sides faces a demanding group but will relish the opportunity to compete on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

Eleven athletes are returning from the team that competed in Birmingham four years ago with Caroline O’Hanlon, bringing 131 Tests of experience at her fourth Commonwealth Games. Evelyn McCagherty, Laureen Walshe and Orlaith Rogers round out the side as Games debutants. 

Results during the most recent Celtic Cup campaign were challenging, with defeats to Namibia, Scotland, Wales, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Despite those setbacks, Northern Ireland will hope the experience gained against elite opposition can help accelerate their development throughout the tournament.