MATILDAS SQUAD ANNOUNCED: FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™

Football Australia is pleased to announce the official 23-player Final Squad to represent Australia at the highly anticipated FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™.   

The line-up of players boasts a dynamic blend of youth and experience and is selected from across Australia, representing seven different Member Federations.   

The team will be led by forward Sam Kerr as captain in her fourth FIFA Women’s World Cup, and defender Steph Catley as vice-captain in her third appearance at the prestigious quadrennial tournament.   

Lydia Williams and Clare Polkinghorne, revered figures in Australian football, have earned the distinction of being the only male or female Australian players to participate in five FIFA World Cup finals tournaments. Their inclusion in the squad is a testament to their immense skill, dedication, and enduring legacy. 

CommBank Matildas’ head coach Tony Gustavsson said the team are looking forward to sharing the FIFA Women’s World Cup experience with the nation.    

“Today is the end of a two-and-a-half-year process and the wonderful start of a thrilling new journey for the team,” Gustavsson said. “Selecting this World Cup squad has been the toughest challenge so far, but the whole coaching and support staff are all completely overjoyed for the 23 players who will represent the nation during this tournament.” 

“These 23 players not only exemplify what it means to be a part of the tradition of the CommBank Matildas, but also what it means to represent the 25 million Australians we know are fully behind us. They have the heart, desire and the passion for the crest, and I can’t wait to see the next part of their story.” 

Gustavsson has selected 15 players who were part of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign and with seven players in line to make their FIFA Women’s World Cup debuts.   

“I am delighted to see the progression of the team as it is a result of their dedication to be prepared for this moment. To see so many debutants for the tournament speaks to the hard work of the players themselves, but also the coaching staff and support staff as we looked to build depth in the squad.  

“This is a special group of players who, when you see the anticipation around the tournament and level of interest for women’s football, have already sparked a transformation. We can’t wait to get the tournament underway in front of a record crowd of support.” 

Australia will complete their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 preparations with a final “Send Off” Match against fellow tournament participants, France, in front of a capacity crowd at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne on Friday, 14 July 2023. The match will kick off 7.30pm AEST with full coverage live on 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+.   

The CommBank Matildas will then depart for their Team Base Camp in Brisbane on 15 July ahead of their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 opening match against the Republic of Ireland (8.00pm AEST) on 20 July at Stadium Australia, Sydney.   

Australia’s second game will see them return to Brisbane to face 11-time African Champions, Nigeria, at Brisbane Stadium on 27 July (8.00pm AEST) before the final Group B fixture against reigning Olympic gold medallists, Canada at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on 31 July (8.00pm AEST).  

Fans will be able to see the Final Squad at a public presentation on Tuesday, 11 July at the iconic Federation Square.    

Follow the CommBank Matildas journey at matildas.com.au.  

CommBank Matildas | Final Squad | FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 

Fixtures | Group B | FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 

Australia v Republic of Ireland 
Date: 20 July 2023 
Venue:  Stadium Australia, Sydney/Wangal 
Kick-off Time: 8:00pm (AEST) 
Broadcast: Optus Sport and Channel 7 

Australia v Nigeria 
Date: 27 July 2023 
Venue: Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane/Meanjin 
Kick-off Time: 8:00pm (AEST) 
Broadcast: Optus Sport and Channel 7 

Canada v Australia 
Date: 31 July 2023 
Venue: Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne/Naarm 
Kick-off Time: 8:00 pm (AEST) 
Broadcast: Optus Sport and Channel 7