The Matildas will finalise their preparations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup tonight as they take on France in front of a sell-out crowd at Marvel Stadium.
The Matildas are continuing their preparations for the tournament in Melbourne which included a jersey presentation at Federation Square this week.
The world number five ranked French team have the added motivation of playing on Bastille Day, France’s national day, which should deliver a spirited contest between two of the true contenders for the tournament.
To mark the momentous occasion, Docklands will be lit up with a 10-minute drone show prior to kick off with around 500 drones displaying a series of messages and images in support of our Matildas.
The send-off match will provide the ideal final tune-up for the Matildas who begin their World Cup campaign in under a week’s time against Ireland.
They will be back in Melbourne for their crucial final group game on Monday, 31 July against Canada at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, one of six matches to be held at the venue during the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
As part of the pre-World Cup training window, the Matildas enjoyed an intense week of training at the Home of The Matildas at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus.
The Home of The Matildas – backed by the Andrews Labor Government – is a national centre of excellence for aspiring female footballers and provide a lasting legacy for women’s football in Australia, as part of the La Trobe University’s Sports Park Stage 3 redevelopment.
Victoria will play a major role at the FIFA Women’s World Cup with Canada, Jamaica and Morocco having already arrived for their team base camps across Melbourne.
The four nations who qualify for the two Round of 16 matches at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium will also train in Melbourne in the lead-up to their games.
As stated by Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Ben Carroll
“The Matildas’ farewell match is another blockbuster major event in the heart of Melbourne, providing an opportunity for Victorians to see elite sport in their own backyard and helping to inspire the next generation of athletes.”
“We backed the Home of The Matildas because we know it will provide world class facilities for the current Matildas squad and the next generation of elite talent to play for Australia into the future.”
