Matildas Prep Young Stars for 2027 World Cup in Brazil

Australia's Matildas are building their future while their stars still shine, and the strategy comes straight from their male counterparts' recent success.

The national women's soccer team announced Thursday they'll face Colombia twice before the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, with the first match set for November 28 in Canberra. The second game's details are still under wraps.

But these aren't just warm-up matches. The Matildas are taking a page from the Socceroos' winning playbook by using these friendlies to develop young talent alongside veteran stars.

The timing couldn't be better. Legendary players like Sam Kerr, Steph Catley, Emily van Egmond and Mackenzie Arnold are in the twilight of their careers, and the team needs fresh talent ready to step up.

Heather Garriock, Football Australia's executive director of football, says coach Joe Montemurro has been planning this transition for a year. The goal is simple: prepare the next generation while learning from the best.

The Socceroos proved this approach works. At this year's World Cup in North America, young players like Nestory Irankunda, Alessandro Circati and Lucas Herrington didn't just hold their own—they excelled so impressively that major European teams came calling with contracts.

Coach Tony Popovic gave those young Socceroos crucial game time in friendlies before the tournament, building their confidence and chemistry with the squad. Now Montemurro wants to replicate that success with the Matildas.

The Ripple Effect

The strategy extends beyond just two matches. With the A-League season kicking off, talented young women playing domestically now have a clear path to the national team.

Twenty-one-year-old goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln knows what's at stake. She says facing top-tier opposition like Colombia gives younger players the confidence boost they need before stepping onto the World Cup stage.

The Matildas already proved they belong at the top, finishing fourth at the 2023 World Cup they co-hosted with New Zealand. Now they're ensuring that excellence continues for years to come by investing in youth today.

The women's World Cup kicks off June 24 in Brazil, with the final on July 25. Young players who impress against Colombia could find themselves living their World Cup dreams just nine months later.