Australia’s preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will reach a thrilling climax with a final “Send Off” Match against fellow tournament participant, France. The highly anticipated match is scheduled to take place at Melbourne’s iconic Marvel Stadium on Friday, 14 July 2023. With a capacity crowd expected to witness the action, the match will be broadcast live on multiple platforms.
Following this exhilarating encounter, the CommBank Matildas will embark on their journey to their Team Base Camp in Brisbane on 15 July, gearing up for their opening match against the Republic of Ireland on 20 July at Sydney’s Stadium Australia. The team will then face Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on 27 July before concluding the group stage with a match against Canada on 31 July at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
To celebrate the unveiling of the Final Squad, a public presentation will be held on Tuesday, 11 July at the iconic Federation Square. This special event will provide fans with a unique opportunity to show their support and cheer for their favourite players as they embark on their FIFA Women’s World Cup journey.
These developments come in the wake of the official announcement of Australia’s 23-player squad for the highly anticipated FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023. The squad showcases a skillful blend of young talents and seasoned veterans, with players selected from different regions of Australia and representing seven distinct Member Federations.
The leadership of the team will rest in the capable hands of Sam Kerr, who will captain the squad in her fourth FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance. Steph Catley, participating in her third tournament, will assume the role of vice-captain, providing valuable experience and guidance to the team.
Two revered figures in Australian football, Lydia Williams and Clare Polkinghorne, have secured their places in history as the only Australian players, male or female, to participate in five FIFA World Cup finals tournaments. Their inclusion in the squad serves as a testament to their exceptional skills, unwavering dedication, and enduring legacy within the sport.
Expressing his enthusiasm, CommBank Matildas’ head coach Tony Gustavsson eagerly anticipates sharing the FIFA Women’s World Cup experience with the nation. Gustavsson acknowledges the tough squad selection process and extends his heartfelt joy to the 23 players who will proudly represent the country in the upcoming tournament.
Gustavsson further emphasizes that the chosen players not only embody the rich tradition of the CommBank Matildas but also symbolize the unwavering support of the 25 million Australians standing behind them. He commends the squad for their heart, desire, and passion for the team’s crest, eagerly anticipating the next chapter of their remarkable journey.
Among the 23 selected players, 15 were part of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, while seven players are set to make their tournament debuts. This well-balanced mix of experience and fresh talent is a testament to the team’s progress and the efforts of the coaching and support staff in fostering depth within the squad.