As co-hosts of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, expectations for Australia are high.
A ninth-place finish at the 2019 WWC followed by fourth place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics have shown a distinct upward trend for the Matildas, who will now look to take another step further on home soil. Ranked 10th in the world, the Aussies aren't seen as an odds-on threat to win the entire tournament, but a bit of home-cooked magic could boost the team to heights previously unseen.
They'll first need to get through the group stage, and despite being a seeded team they aren't the top-ranked side in Group B. World No. 7 Canada, the reigning Olympic champions, will surely be Australia's biggest challengers for the top spot in the group (and the easier path through the knockout rounds that comes with it).
If the Matildas can claim first place in the group over the Canadians, the road to glory could get a whole lot easier.
Here are the fixtures that will define Australia's World Cup journey, along with kick-off times and how to watch.
Australia's Women's World Cup 2023 fixtures, kick-off times
Australia have been drawn into Group B alongside Canada, Republic of Ireland and Nigeria.
Date | Time (AEST) | Fixture | Stadium |
July 20 | 8:00 p.m. | Australia vs. Republic of Ireland | Stadium Australia |
July 27 | 8:00 p.m. | Australia vs. Nigeria | Lang Park |
July 31 | 8:00 p.m. | Canada vs. Australia | Melbourne Rectangular Stadium |
Australia's Women's World Cup 2023 squad
GOALKEEPERS: Lydia Williams, Teagan Micah, Mackenzie Arnold
DEFENDERS: Courtney Nevin, Aivi Luik, Clare Polkinghorne, Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Hunt, Ellie Carpenter, Charlotte Grant
MIDFIELDERS: Clare Wheeler, Alex Chidiac, Emily van Egmond, Tameka Yallop, Katrina Gorry, Kyra Cooney-Cross
FORWARDS: Cortnee Vine, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Hayley Raso, Kyah Simon, Sam Kerr
What stadiums will Australia play in at Women's World Cup 2023?
Stadium Australia
Sydney's Stadium Australia is the biggest stadium at this year's tournament with a capacity of 83,500.
As a result of its huge capacity, the venue will stage the Women's World Cup final along with Australia's group stage clash with the Republic of Ireland, and a further two knockout matches.
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
With a capacity of 30,052, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, or AAMI Park, is one of the smaller venues to feature at this year's Women's World Cup.
The stadium is home to both of Melbourne's A-League football teams, Melbourne Victory FC and Melbourne City FC, and hosted seven matches during the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.
Lang Park
Brisbane's Lang Park has a 52,263 capacity and is no stranger to hosting major sporting events.
In addition to numerous group stage matches, Lang Park will also be where the third place playoff is contested on August 19.
Australia's Women's World Cup 2023 matches: How to watch
All of Australia's games will be broadcast on Optus Sport and 7 Plus.