Countdown to the Women's World Cup: 23 days to go

The squad has been announced, and the big day draws ever closer. The FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™ is almost with us, with just 23 days to go until the tournament kicks off at Parc des Princes in Paris.

The opening fixture will see hosts France take on Korea Republic at 9.00pm local time on 7 June (5.00am, 8 June, AEST), with the Westfield Matildas in action for the first time when they face Italy in Valenciennes on 9 June at 1.00pm local time (9.00pm AEST).

www.matildas.com.au is running a series of features counting down the days until the Westfield Matildas begin their quest for the trophy, continuing today with No.23...

World Cup Countdown_23 days to go_graphic


HOW TO WATCH: The FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™ in Australia 
GET KITTED OUT: All you need to know about the Westfield Matildas new Nike shirts 
COMING NEXT: Australia re-affirms bid to host FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 

WATCH: The Westfield Matildas World Cup squad announcement

Tuesday saw Westfield Matildas head coach Ante Milicic name Australia's 23-player squad for the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™. 

Eight of the players selected – Gema Simon, Aivi Luik, Chloe Logarzo, Teagan Micah, Emily Gielnik, Mary Fowler, Ellie Carpenter and Amy Harrison – will travel to a World Cup for the first time, while for Lisa De Vanna, Clare Polkinghorne and goalkeeper Lydia Williams France 2019 will be their third appearance on the sport's biggest stage. 

It is no coincidence that the squad boasts 23 players – that is the squad-size stipulated by the sport's governing body FIFA for every nation competing at the tournament. 

FIFA will officially confirm all 24 national team squads on Monday, 27 May. 

WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN: 302928272625, 24 days to go
WATCH: Hayley Raso's moving tribute to mum Renaye
MILICIC: 'Confident Westfield Matildas can make their mark'


FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ – Group C – Australia Matches

Australia v Italy
Date: Sunday, 9 June 2019 (AEST)
Venue: Stade du Hainaut, Valenciennes
Kick-off: 9.00pm AEST (1.00pm local time, same day)

Australia v Brazil
Date: Friday, 14 June 2019 (AEST)
Venue: Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier
Kick-off: 2.00am AEST (6.00pm local time, Thursday 13 June)

Jamaica v Australia
Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2019 (AEST)
Venue: Stade des Alpes, Grenoble
Kick-off: 5.00am AEST (9.00pm local time, Tuesday 18 June)

Click below to #GetOnside for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ in Australia

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