Source : ABC NEWS
The Matildas will return to Victoria this year, with Geelong’s Kardinia Park named as the venue for the second leg of a two-match series against Colombia.
The Victorian government today announced the December 2 fixture, two years after 30,000 fans packed out the regional stadium to see the “Tillies” beat Chinese Taipei 6-0.
The announcement is a major coup for Geelong, which will be the only Victorian city to host the Matildas this year.
The national team last played in Victoria in May 2025.
“This blockbuster clash will drive visitation across the Geelong region, support local businesses and showcase Victoria’s unmatched ability to host world-class sporting events,” Visit Victoria chief executive Brendan McClements said.
Football Australia deputy chief executive Heather Garriock said Victorians’ support of the Matildas was “always outstanding”.
“We’re delighted to bring the CommBank Matildas back to Victoria for what promises to be a special occasion for football fans, as our FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 preparations intensify,” Ms Garriock said.
The first leg of the Colombia series will be played at Canberra Stadium on November 28, with the games expected to serve as a valuable test ahead of the World Cup in Brazil in June.
Both Australia and Colombia have already qualified for the World Cup.
Matildas fans were out in force in 2023, and will be raring to go in Brazil (AAP Image)
The Matildas finished fourth in the 2023 World Cup, and earlier this year were runners up in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Ms Garriock, who is also Football Australia’s executive director of football, in August said the Colombia series would be an opportunity to give younger talent a chance to impress.
“We sat down with (coach) Joe (Montemurro) some 12 months ago when he started in the Matildas position, and we asked him what his ideal preparation was in the lead-up to the Women’s World Cup,” Ms Garriock said.
“It was very evident that different styles of play were important to him, but also trying to blood some of the next generation as well.
“We’ve seen that (younger players getting an opportunity) at the recent World Cup in the US with (Socceroos coach) Tony Popovic as well.”
