The Commonwealth Bank Matildas have learned their FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup 2023 opponents. Across Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, Australia will take on the Republic of Ireland, Nigeria, and Canada.
Australia will open its home FIFA Women's World Cup Australia/ New Zealand 2023鈩 campaign against the Republic of Ireland in Sydney on July 20. It will be Ireland鈥檚 first ever FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup appearance after they historically defeated Scotland in the UEFA playoffs to book their spot.
The CommBank Matildas and Ireland played each other for only the first time in September 2021. In what was a special game for Mary Fowler, who got to play in front of family and nabbed two goals for her country, Australia went down 3-2 to the Irish.
There is sure to be a party atmosphere at Allianz Stadium, with the large Irish population in Australia sure to turn up and add plenty of green to what will be a predominantly green and gold crowd.
Arsenal鈥檚 Australian contingent of Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord will look forward to their battle with club team mate Katie McCabe.
Next up for the CommBank Matildas will be Nigeria. While the Super Falcons enter Group B coming from Pot 4, the group of lowest-ranked nations, the Nigerians cannot be underestimated. The team has taken part in every single FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup tournament and, until this year鈥檚 edition, had been a serial winner when it came to the Women鈥檚 African Cup of Nations.
Teagan Micah will get to experience Nigerian striker Asisat Oshoala up close when her Swedish side Rosengard take on Barcelona in the UEFA Women鈥檚 Champions League group stage.
Australia and Nigeria have met only once before. However, it was at a FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup; the 2015 Canada edition. Kyah Simon netted a brace to give the Aussies a 2-0 victory. Brisbane will be treated to what is set to be an exciting clash between two attacking teams on July 27
Rounding out the group is the match against Canada in Melbourne on July 31. AAMI Park will be awash with yellow and red as these two nations renew hostilities. The 2021 Olympic gold medallists will be very familiar with Australia after their recent trip down under. With two wins under their belt from the friendly series, Bev Priestman鈥檚 team will feel confident they can acclimatise well.
Adrianna Leon will undoubtedly be hoping she can continue her fine scoring form on Australian shores after she scored all three of Canada鈥檚 goals in their 1-0 and 2-1 wins in September respectively.
Beyond the recent history, Canada and Australia have met on 18 occasions, with the CommBank Matildas earning seven wins, Canada nabbing eight, and three draws including at their only-ever Women鈥檚 World Cup meeting back in 2007.
All eyes will be on the shootout up top for both sides. While CommBank Matildas captain Sam Kerr has more than a few goals to go when it comes to matching the international goal scoring feats of Canadian legend Christine Sinclair, the duo are undeniably lethal in front of goal. Trying to stop Kerr will be her Chelsea team mate, Kadeisha Buchanan.
Exact times for each of Australia鈥檚 group games will be confirmed in the coming days ahead of tickets going on sale on October 25th.
