The Matildas are coming back to Canberra for international friendly

Despite fears that Canberra’s ageing stadium would never see another international fixture, Football Australia has announced that the Matildas will take on Argentina in a friendly match at Bruce under lights in June ahead of the Women’s Asian Cup to be staged in Australia next year.

The Monday, 2 June, fixture will be the second of two friendlies seen as a vital part of the 2023 World Cup semi-finalist’s Asian Cup build-up.

The first will be at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on Friday night, 30 May.

FA said the Canberra match had been made possible due to collaboration with the ACT Government through Events ACT. The national women’s team last played in Canberra in 2022.

Securing the international for Canberra shows the ACT Government has not given up on winning big sporting events for the national capital after criticism that it had dropped the ball over the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the Men’s 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The government was not prepared to meet the outlay demanded for those two events, to the benefit of other centres such as Townsville and Newcastle with newer stadiums.

ACT Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry said she was proud to welcome the Matildas back to Canberra and provide another opportunity to showcase Canberra to the world.

“We have been supporting the Matildas for a long time, and it’s great to host them in what will be an important game against Argentina as they prepare for the Women’s Asian Cup,” she said.

“All of Canberra’s many Matildas’ fans will be looking forward to it and I encourage everyone to get your tickets early, so you don’t miss out.”

Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson said the organisation was committed to ensuring that football fans across Australia have the chance to witness their national team in action.

“Returning to Canberra is always special, and we are excited to bring the Matildas back to the nation’s capital after three years,” he said.

“We sincerely thank the ACT Government and Events ACT for its cooperation in making this match possible.

“Its commitment helps us continue growing women’s football and provides fans in Canberra and further afield with the opportunity to be part of the Matildas’ journey.”

Mr Johnson said that with just under a year till Australia hosts the Asian Cup, it was vital to seek out opponents that present a diversity of styles and footballing cultures to give the Matildas the opportunity to build and peak come tournament time.

“With the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 set for South America, we are delighted to secure Argentina, one of the top South American nations and who featured at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023,” he said.

“They and their supporters bring a unique energy and passion for the game, and these matches will help us refine our approach heading into a tournament that will also serve as a Women’s World Cup Qualifier.”

Tickets will go on pre-sale for FA account holders on Monday, 31 March, at 10 am, with general public tickets available on Tuesday, 1 April, at 4 pm, from Ticketek.

Prices will start at $34 for adults, $27 concession, $24 junior and $92 for a family.

$2 (plus GST) from every ticket sold will be donated to the ParaMatildas and Pararoos, Australia’s national teams for male and female footballers with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms from a stroke.

To learn more, visit the Matildas website.