The 2019 Women’s World Cup will kick off in France on June 7 with the Matildas among several sides looming as contenders.
Currently ranked sixth in the world, Australia look primed for a strong tournament and have superstar Sam Kerr to call on.
It’s set to be a massive World Cup for women’s football with more eyes than ever on the event.
Here’s all the information you need to know if you’re a Matildas fan…
How to watch the Women’s World Cup in Australia
Every Matildas match at the Women’s World Cup will be shown live and free on SBS in Australia.
Optus Sport meanwhile boasts the full rights to the tournament and will be showing all 52 games of the tournament.
Optus Sport’s coverage will also include mini matches and the option to watch games on delay.
When and where will the Matildas games be played?
The Matildas have been drawn in Group C for the 2019 Women’s World Cup alongside Italy, Brazil and Jamaica.
Australia’s first group match will be played against Italy in Valenciennes and kicks off at 9pm (AEST) on Sunday, June 9.
Following that, the Matildas will travel to Montpellier where they’ll tackle Brazil on June 14 with kick off at 2am (AEST).
Australia’s last group match will then see them take on Jamaica in Grenoble on June 19 with a 5am (AEST) kick off.
Who are Australia’s biggest rivals?
In Group C, Brazil loom as the Matildas biggest threat with the two nations no stranger to one another over the past few years.
Australia, in fact, knocked Brazil out of the 2015 World Cup after they triumphed 1-0 in their Round of 16 clash.
The two have played numerous times since with the green and gold more often than not edging their contests.
Outside of the group, the United States are tournament favourites as the world number one and did beat the Matildas 5-3 earlier this year.
Japan, who lost to the US in the 2015 final, will also be in the mix and beat the Matildas in the 2018 Asian Cup final.
Which Matildas will star?
A Ballon d’Or candidate in 2018, Matildas captain Sam Kerr is Australia’s unquestioned superstar and her goals will prove crucial for the green and gold in France.
Fellow attackers Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso are also capable of providing an X-factor for the Matildas, while veteran Lisa De Vanna could still contribute off the bench.
Behind them, Elise Kellond-Knight will play a big role in midfield while expect Alanna Kennedy to be Australia’s rock at the back.
Mary Fowler could also be a breakout player at the tournament with the 16-year-old forward tipped for big things.
What’s the Matildas record at World Cups?
The Matildas have fallen at the quarter-final stage in the past three World Cups with Japan defeating the green and gold 1-0 in 2015.
Prior to that, the Matildas had failed to reach the knockout stages from their three previous attempts – finishing bottom of the group twice.
Full Matildas squad
| Position | Australia players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Williams, Micah, Arnold |
| Defenders | Polkinghorne, Alleway, Catley, Van Egmond, Kennedy, Carpenter |
| Midfielders | Logarzo, Kellond-Knight, Gielnik, Gorry, Luik, Yallop |
| Forwards | Kerr, Foord, De Vanna, Raso, Fowler, Harrison |
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