The countdown is on — the Matildas have only two games left to fine-tune their form before the 2026 Asian Cup. And with Australia set to host the tournament, expectations couldn’t be higher. But here’s where things get interesting: their final rehearsals won’t be against Asian rivals, but against their Trans-Tasman neighbors, New Zealand.
The Australian women’s national team is assembling for its closing training camp before the big event kicks off on March 1 next year. Their two upcoming friendlies — one in Gosford on Friday and another in Adelaide next Tuesday — will serve as the team’s last opportunity to lock in strategy, sharpen their chemistry, and fix what hasn’t been working.
Caitlin Foord made it clear the Matildas aren’t taking these fixtures lightly. “We can’t afford to waste a second,” she said, stressing that every minute on the pitch now counts. “These are the final prep games before the Asian Cup, and once we head into that camp, things will move really fast.” Her words highlight a growing sense of urgency within the squad — an understanding that momentum now could make all the difference come March.
Since Joe Montemurro took over in June, the Matildas’ results have been a mixed bag. Their last outing ended in a sobering 3-0 defeat to European champions England, exposing weaknesses that still need fixing. Some would argue that setback was exactly what the team needed — a timely reminder that world-class status isn’t guaranteed, even for a side as talented as this one.
Adding to the intrigue, superstar forward Sam Kerr is set to make her long-awaited return on home soil. The Chelsea striker, who has battled a knee injury since early 2024, was recently given time off by her club to continue recovery. Now, she’s back in camp and ready to rejoin her teammates. “She’s here, she’s training, and she looks great to me,” Foord said with confidence.
The return of Kerr injects a wave of optimism into the squad. Fans have waited nearly two years to see her play live in Australia — and her presence alone could shift the energy heading into the Cup.
But the question that could divide opinions is this: is two warm-up games really enough for the Matildas to hit top form before hosting Asia’s best? Or do they risk heading into the tournament still a step behind their fiercest rivals? Drop your thoughts in the comments — are the Matildas where they need to be, or is there still work to do before the whistle blows in March?
