The Australian women's national soccer team, the Matildas, are preparing for a friendly match against Mexico in Newcastle. Sam Kerr leads the attack after her Chelsea departure, Ellie Carpenter reaches 100 caps, and Mary Fowler returns after winning the Women's Super League. Coach Joe Montemurro highlighted the strategic importance of facing Mexico's possession-based and physical style as World Cup preparation.
Australia’s Sam Kerr warms up during a Matildas training session in Sydney before they meet Mexico in the first of two international friendlies. Kick-off time in Newcastle is 7.15pm AEST.
Follow live updates and the latest scores from the Aus vs Mex game. Follow live updates and the latest scores from the Aus vs Mex game.
Mackenzie Arnold , Ellie Carpenter , Steph Catley, Winonah Heatley, Kaitlyn Torpey, Emily Van Egmond, Alanna Kennedy, Amy Sayer, Caitlin Foord, Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler. Ellie Carpenter leads the side while becoming the 18th Australian woman to reach 100 international caps. Mary Fowler also returns after claiming Women’s Super League glory with Manchester City, as coach Joe Montemurro calls on the dynamic duo who missed the Fifa Series friendlies against Malawi and Kenya.
Sam Kerr will lead the line after playing her final game for Chelsea, while Steph Catley has recovered from a calf injury and her Arsenal teammate Caitlin Foord edges closer to the 150-cap mark that she can now reach when playing against Mexico in Sydney on Tuesday. It was very important that we found all different types of styles that we would possibly come up against in a World Cup scenario.
They’re a talented team that has done very well, both in the rankings, but more importantly, in their nation. Their league is growing, and there’s a lot of investment, so they’re a top team. Their ranking doesn’t mimic where they are – they’re definitely a top 20 team, Mexico. Their style is one we really need to play against – a Latin American sort of team that is very good in possession, but also very good from a physical perspective.
For us, it is a strategic buildup into the World Cup, and all our windows now are strategic in regard to the styles of teams. It’s very important for us to continue to play our way, but more importantly to adapt to different things. The Matildas return to Australia for a first game on home soil since their run to the Asian Cup final in March.
The continental runners-up had little time to put their heartbreaking defeat to Japan behind them with a pair of Fifa Series games in Kenya – both convincing victories – just a few weeks later as attention quickly turned to the global showpiece in Brazil next year. The world No 28-ranked Mexico are a significant step up in the Matildas’ preparations for the upcoming tournament and El Tri Femenil arrive in Newcastle in red-hot form.
Australia might be ranked 13 places higher than Mexico at No 15 but their opponents are on the rise and unbeaten in their past nine matches across an imposing streak that includes a 1-0 victory over 2027 World Cup hosts Brazil in March.
Matildas Sam Kerr Ellie Carpenter Mexico International Friendly World Cup
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Who would England be likely to play if they reach the World Cup final?England could face knockout ties against DR Congo, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina before facing Spain in the final
Read more »
‘Ready’: Rule puts Wembley loss behind her for MatildasA brutal loss in the English Women’s FA Cup final has failed to dampen the enthusiasm of Matildas defender Charlize Rule ahead of Australia’s two-game series against Mexico.
Read more »
Politics Cast a Shadow Over World Cup in the United States, Canada and MexicoThe 2026 World Cup has been overshadowed by politics, with teams and fans facing visa complications, security concerns and travel restrictions due to the involvement of co-host countries in active military combat and the US travel ban list.
Read more »
Live: Carpenter set for 100th cap as Matildas take on MexicoThe Matildas are back in action in Newcastle, taking on 28th-ranked Mexico in the first of two international friendly matches, with Ellie Carpenter set to make her 100th appearance. Follow live.
Read more »