Matildas to face Wales in historic friendly ahead of Asian Cup campaign

Matildas coach Joe Montemurro says October's friendly against Wales will be a crucial step in his squad's preparations for next year's Asian Cup.

The match against Wales — the first between the two nations in women's football — has been scheduled for October 25 in Cardiff.

The Matildas will also face a yet-to-be-determined opponent later in FIFA's international window.

But it remains to be seen whether Sam Kerr, who has not played since tearing her ACL in January last year, will be made available for the two matches.

Catley nominated for Ballon d'Or Photo shows Steph Catley adjusts her captain's armband while playing for the Matildas. Matildas captain Steph Catley is one of 30 nominees for the Ballon d'Or Feminin, the top individual international award in football.

"We are looking to make the most of the next few FIFA women's international windows and Wales is the perfect test for the team as we have never played them before and they are a competitive side that will test our style of play," Montemurro said.

"It is important that we make the most of every opportunity together, to continually build on the relationships we are forming and setting high standards to enhance our high-performance environment."

Wales is ranked 32nd in the world.

The Welsh are yet to appear in a women's World Cup, but they did qualify for Euro 2025.

The Matildas only have two more international windows before they kick off their Asian Cup campaign against the Philippines in Perth on March 1.

Montemurro was missing a host of the squad's biggest stars during his first set of matches in charge of the Matildas earlier this year.

The Matildas were fortunate to escape with an error-riddled 3–0 win over world number 38 Slovenia in Montemurro's first match at the helm.

The result was followed up by a 1–1 draw against the same opponents.

Alarm bells were ringing when the Matildas slumped to a shock 1–0 loss to world number 56 Panama.

But a Michelle Heyman brace and Charli Grant's 91st-minute goal rescued a 3–2 win in the second match of the friendly series in West Australia.

AAP

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