The next Matildas coach could experience a baptism of fire in games against Japan, the United States and Colombia in Australia’s debut at the SheBelieves Cup.
Football Australia is being patient in the hunt for a new full-time coach, but Tony Gustavsson’s permanent replacement is expected to be in place by the first window of 2025, which could potentially also mark Sam Kerr’s international return from injury.
The Matildas will travel to the United States for the 10th edition of the prestigious international round-robin tournament, kicking off their campaign against world number four Japan on February 20 in Houston, Texas.
They will then face world number one the US on February 23 in Glendale, Arizona and 21st-ranked Colombia on February 26 at in San Diego, California.
The Matildas lost 2-1 to the US Women’s National Team to officially end their Paris Olympics campaign earlier this year, but will hope mercurial skipper Kerr is back playing by their next clash, as it will be more than 12 months since her ACL rupture.
Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor this week flagged Kerr could return to training with her club team by year’s end.
Regardless of her availability, the matches will serve as crucial preparation for the 2026 Asian Cup and 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the Matildas to compete against some of the world’s best teams on an international platform,” Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said in a statement.
“The SheBelieves Cup aligns with our vision to challenge the team in high-stakes environments as we continue to elevate the Matildas and build towards the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“The invitation to this respected tournament speaks to the high regard of the Matildas internationally.
“With the line-up of US women’s national team, Japan, and Colombia, the meaningful experience gained from being a part of top-quality competition will be an invaluable set of matches for our AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 preparations.
“The mixture of styles, world-class players, and replication of a tournament-style playing schedule provides an opportunity for the further development and roster evolution on the road to 2026 and the next cycle.”
The Matildas, under interim coach Tom Sermanni, next have two friendlies against Brazil followed by another pair against Chinese Taipei across the extended November-December international window.
AAP
