The Matildas begin the handover on the road to Brazil 2027
Joe Montemurro’s side will meet Colombia in Canberra on 28 November as a new generation pushes for places.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup comes to Brazil from 24 June to 25 July 2027, and the Matildas’ preparation now has a date. Australia will play Colombia at Canberra Stadium on 28 November, the first of two friendlies against the South Americans.
Coach Joe Montemurro wants to bring younger players in, much as Socceroos coach Tony Popovic did before the 2026 men’s World Cup. Football Australia’s Heather Garriock said the matches would prioritise developing the next generation while testing the team against different styles of play.
The timing matters. Stalwarts including Sam Kerr, Steph Catley, Emily van Egmond and Mackenzie Arnold are nearer the end of their careers than the start, and the squad that finished fourth at the home World Cup in 2023 is due for renewal.
For the young goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln, 21, every match counts toward building cohesion.
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