Kahli Johnson: "Every single time I see my name on the back of that jersey... it’s an amazing feeling."

CommBank Young Matildas forward Kahli Johnson said that she was honoured and privileged to be selected to represent Australia at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024™.

It will be the 20-year-old’s second U20 World Cup after featuring for Leah Blayney’s side in Costa Rica in 2022.

“Getting to go to any major tournament to represent your country is amazing, but being able to go to a World Cup, and this being my second, is an incredible feeling, and it’s just great to have that opportunity with this team,” Johnson expressed.

She said that she would use her previous experience to guide her in this tournament.

“Knowing what it’s like to be in that environment where you’re playing games back-to-back, playing against different countries – it’s definitely very different from playing different teams in your own country,” she explained.

“Knowing a little bit about what it’s going to be like in terms of tournament style of football will definitely help, and having a few girls with that kind of experience.

“But also, you never know what’s going to happen, and that’s kind of the excitement of it. There’s so many different things at play. So it’s pretty exciting.”

The CommBank Young Matildas will take on hosts Colombia in the first game of the tournament. It is the second time in a row that they will have the privilege of taking on the hosts after they defeated Costa Rica in front of over 20,000 fans in 2022.

Johnson said it was an “amazing” experience, something she will “never forget.”

“The sound of that stadium, when we walked out [in Costa Rica], was a goosebumps moment,” she recalled.

“So being able to play in front of thousands of fans in Colombia, knowing what Colombian fans are like and how they were during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ - it’s amazing, and I can’t wait to have that kind of environment around us while we play our first game.”

Johnson scored three goals in 12 games for Western United in the A-League Women last season. Despite being an injury-disrupted campaign, it was something of a breakout year for the youngster, who impressed almost every time she was on the pitch.

She explained that the experiences she has had at the international level have continued to help her grow her game over time.

“Any international experience is really valuable,” she outlined.

“Playing against different countries, you know you’re playing against big players, players that are going to go and be incredible in major tournaments for their full national teams.

“Knowing that you’re in and around that kind of company is a big boost for your own confidence, but also just to show you that you are where you need to be. You have a shot at being able to play for big teams, and being able to go over the Europe and really shine.”

Finally, she expressed her pride in representing Australia and wearing the green and gold.

“It’s everything for me,” she stated.

“That first time, when you’re selected for a junior national team, and pulling on that jersey, it’s an unmatched feeling. I’ll never forget the first time I was privileged enough to do that, and every single time I see my name on the back of that jersey, and I’m able to put that on and step onto that field, it’s an amazing feeling.

“It’s something I don’t take for granted, and I’m really grateful for.”

MATCH SCHEDULE | FIFA U-20 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP COLOMBIA 2024™

Colombia v Australia 
Date: Saturday, 31 August 2024 / Sunday, 1 September 2024 (AUS) 
Time: 6.00pm (local) / 9.00am (AEST)
Venue: Estadio El Campín, Bogotá, Colombia

Mexico v Australia
Date: Tuesday, 3 September 2024 / Wednesday, 4 September 2024 (AUS) 
Time: 5.00pm (local) / 8.00am (AEST)
Venue: Estadio El Campín, Bogotá, Colombia

Australia v Cameroon
Date: Friday, 6 September 2024 / Saturday, 7 September 2024 (AUS) 
Time: 5.00pm (local) / 8.00am (AEST)
Venue: Estadio El Campín, Bogotá, Colombia