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Although the FIFA Women's World Cup is over, there’s no denying that our fever for women's football is still running hot – we're well and truly on the Tilles train. After a thrilling World Cup campaign, the powerhouse team is back competing to gain a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Excitingly, Football Australia has announced that the Matildas will play one game of their next Olympic qualifiers in Melbourne, as part of the Asian Olympic Qualifiers. Sadly, the legendary Sam Kerr won't be on the field, after it was revealed she recently suffered an ACL injury while training. But so many other fantastic players will be playing, so here's everything you need to know to get behind our gals.
Who are the Matildas playing against in the Olympic qualifiers?
For round three of the Asian Qualifiers, the Matildas will play two matches against Uzbekistan, in what's called a two-legged tie. The stakes are high, as the winner of these two matches (whoever scores the most goals overall) will officially gain a place as one of two teams representing the Asia-Pacific region in the Paris Women's Olympic Football Tournament. Australia has done well in the qualifiers so far, beating Chinese Taipei 3-0, the Philippines 8-0 and Iran 2-0. So fingers crossed that their reign continues!
Where are the Matildas playing their Olympic qualifier?
In the round two group of Australia, Chinese Taipei, Philippines and Iran, Australia scored the home-ground advantage. So far, the previous three rounds have been held in Perth. For round three, the first leg match will be played in Uzbekistan, before the tournament returns Down Under to Marvel Stadium in Melbourne for the second leg match.
When do the Matildas play in the Olympic qualifiers in Melbourne?
The Uzbekistan leg of this next qualifying round will take place on Saturday, February 24 (7pm AEDT) – the same night as one of Taylor Swift's Sydney shows, so some Matilda-Swift fans will miss out – while the Melbourne leg will take place on Wednesday, February 28 (7.30pm AEDT).
How can I watch the Matildas play in the Olympic qualifiers?
If you can't watch the Tillies live from Melbourne (tickets have been on sale through Ticketmaster), you can catch the match on free-to-air Channel 10, and also on Paramount+. If you don't want to watch from the couch, get yourself over to one of Sydney’s best sports bars where you can feel like you’re part of the action.
What are the Matildas game times?
Saturday, Feb 24: Live from 7pm AEDT on 10 and Paramount+
Wednesday, Feb 28: Live from 7.30pm AEDT on 10 and Paramount+