The Matildas are set to reunite in Perth for the first time since their trailblazing Women’s World Cup performance to take part in stage two of qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Their matchup against Iran kicks off at 10:00 pm AEDT and will be live on Channel 10, 10 Play and Paramount+.
For the Olympic qualifiers, the Matildas have been placed in Group A with Iran, the Philippines and Chinese Taipei, with the winner of the group going to the third round where they’ll face the other two group winners and the best-placed runner-up.
The Matildas are the Number Two side in Asia, meaning they automatically qualified for round two of the Paris 2024 qualifying rounds. The USA, Canada and Brazil have already booked their places in Paris along with France as the host nation.
In terms of projections for the Matilda’s success in qualifying for the Olympics, they are the favourites in their group, especially after finishing fourth in the Women’s World Cup this year.
Coach Tony Gustavsson revealed in the pre-match press conference that he will rotate the squad regularly and use each of the 21 players called into training camp in order to secure their Paris 2024 spot.
Expected Matilda’s lineup:
Lydia Williams
Teagan Micah
Mackenzie Arnold
Courtney Nevin
Aivi Luik
Clare Polkinghorne
Steph Catley
Alanna Kennedy
Clare Hunt
Ellie Carpenter
Charlotte Grant
Cortnee Vine
Clare Wheeler
Alex Chidiac
Caitlin Foord
Emily van Egmond
Mary Fowler
Tameka Yallop
Hayley Raso
Kyah Simon
Katrina Gorry
Sam Kerr
Kyra Cooney-Cross
Matildas Olympic qualifiers schedule:
Match Day 1: Thursday 26 October
7:00pm AEDT: Chinese Taipei v Philippines
10:00pm AEDT: Australia v Iran
Match day 2: Sunday 29 October
6:10pm AEDT: Philippines v Australia
9:10pm AEDT: Iran v Chinese Taipei
Match Day 3: Wednesday 1 November
6:50pm AEDT: Philippines v Iran
10:00pm AEDT: Australia v Chinese Taipei