Australia's Matildas squad selection for FIFA Series friendlies in Kenya ahead of 2027 World Cup
Consensus Summary
Australia’s Matildas have selected a 22-player squad for two FIFA Series friendlies in Kenya on April 11 and 15, 2024, preparing for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The team will face Malawi and either Kenya or India, with Sam Kerr leading as captain. Key players like Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley, and Hayley Raso are included, while Mary Fowler, Ellie Carpenter, and Katrina Gorry are notable omissions. Coach Joe Montemurro aims to build consistency after a 1-0 Asian Cup final loss to Japan, using the friendlies to test diverse opposition. ABC highlights Clare Hunt’s absence due to knee surgery, while the Guardian emphasizes the squad’s near-full strength and the series as Australia’s first FIFA campaign. Both sources agree on the squad’s focus on developing players and preparing for Brazil 2027.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- The Matildas will play two friendlies in Kenya as part of the FIFA Series on April 11 and 15, 2024, against Malawi (ranked 153) and either Kenya (ranked 134) or India (ranked 67).
- Sam Kerr is named captain of the 22-player squad for the friendlies in Kenya.
- Stalwarts Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley, Hayley Raso, Alanna Kennedy, and Mackenzie Arnold are included in the squad.
- Mary Fowler, Ellie Carpenter, Katrina Gorry, and Kyra Cooney-Cross are notable omissions from the squad.
- The Matildas lost the 2024 Women’s Asian Cup final 1-0 to Japan on March 21, 2024, in Sydney.
- Joe Montemurro’s statement emphasizes building consistency for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the FIFA Series offering a test against diverse opposition.
- The squad includes Leticia McKenna (Melbourne City), Jessika Nash (US Sassuolo), and Isabel Gomez (Central Coast Mariners) returning to the national setup.
- The Matildas’ first match is against Malawi on April 11 (12 April AEST), followed by a second match on April 15.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Clare Wheeler is listed in the squad (mentioned in both sources but Guardian explicitly names her in the squad list).
- The Guardian notes the squad is a ‘near full-strength’ squad as the Matildas prepare for the 2027 World Cup.
- The Guardian mentions the ‘Women’s Fifa Series campaign’ as Australia’s first in the series.
- Clare Hunt (defender) is explicitly mentioned as missing due to knee surgery after an Asian Cup injury.
- ABC includes a photo caption noting Ellie Carpenter’s absence, emphasizing her as one of the ‘big guns’ not selected.
- ABC specifies Sam Kerr scored four goals during the Asian Cup and Steph Catley is her deputy captain.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian does not mention Clare Hunt’s injury or absence, while ABC explicitly states she is missing due to knee surgery.
- The Guardian lists Clare Wheeler in the squad, but ABC does not mention her inclusion or exclusion explicitly (though she appears in the squad list).
- No contradictions in core facts; all key details align between sources.
Source Articles
Matildas stars return to squad for friendlies as Joe Montemurro builds to 2027 World Cup
Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord named as Mary Fowler rests after Asian Cup Australia to play 153rd-ranked Malawi followed by India or Kenya Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has opted for consistency in buildi...
Kerr in, but several Matildas stars not part of squad for FIFA Series
Sam Kerr has been named, but the Matildas will be missing a number of their other big guns when they travel to Kenya for the team's maiden FIFA Series in April....