Matildas to kick off in Geelong

AUSTRALIA’S best women’s soccer players will kick off in Geelong later this year, with the Matildas to play a game at GMHBA Stadium against Chinese Taipei.

Announced on Friday last week, the game on Saturday 7 December will be the second of a two-match international friendly series and follow the first game at AAMI Park on 4 December.

Tickets went on sale yesterday (Thursday 19 September) to Football Australia account holders, with general public tickets going on sale today (Friday, September 20).

It is the first time the Australian national women’s soccer team has played in Geelong since the completion of GMHBA Stadium’s redevelopment, with the Matildas last playing in Geelong in 2017.

The State Government funded the $142 million stage five works, which have created a new function room, media centre, bar and unisex change rooms.

Victoria has hosted a range of blockbuster events for soccer fans in recent years, including the sold-out Matildas vs Uzbekistan Olympic Qualifier at Marvel Stadium in February, the 2024 National Youth Championships Girls’ Tournament at the Home of the Matildas in July, and the coming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier between the Socceroos and Saudi Arabia in November.

Premier Jacinta Allan officially announced the two Matildas friendlies at a media event at GMHBA Stadium, alongside Football Australia chief executive officer James Johnson, 17-capped Matildas player Selin Kuralay and Young Matildas vice-captain Naomi Chinnama.

“The Matildas captured our hearts and we cannot wait to welcome them back to Victoria, giving more people the chance to see their heroes play in their own backyard,” Ms Allan said.

The event is being supported by Visit Victoria through the Major Events Fund.

Mr Johnson welcomed the two-match series.

“Victorians are equally as passionate about football at the grassroots level as they are in their support of our national teams as evidenced by their continual strong turnout for home games,” he said.

 

 

“Pleasingly, the two-match series will also travel beyond the city to give fans who may not usually get the chance an opportunity to see their beloved CommBank Matildas.”

Kuralay said she was a proud Victorian and excited to see the Matildas return to her state.

“Last year’s Women’s World Cup was a turning point not only for the Matildas but Australian women’s sport,” she said.

“With participation and interest in the Matildas growing, bringing these games to Victoria will inspire the next generation of athletes from across different parts of our community.

“As a former player, it’s heartwarming to see how far the game has continued to evolve in this state, and I’m really excited to see it continue to grow in Victoria.”

For more information on tickets, head to matildas.com.au/tickets