Australia Women’s World Cup 2023 Squad : Tony Gustavsson Announced the Official 23-Player Final Squad

As Matildas announces 23 players squad, their most experience forward Sam Kerr, will serve as the team’s captain in her fourth appearance at the World Cup tournament and Steph Catley, a defender, will serve as vice-captain in her third outing at the illustrious World Cup tournament.

• The team will be led by forward Sam Kerr as captain in her fourth FIFA Women’s World Cup.

• Football Australia announced the official 23-player Final Squad on July 3, 2023.

• Australia were drawn in Group B with Canada, Nigeria and Republic of Ireland.

Famous Australian footballers Lydia Williams and Clare Polkinghorne hold the distinction of being the only male or female Australian players to compete in five FIFA World Cup finals competitions. Their selection for the squad is evidence of their extraordinary talent, commitment, and legacy.

Younger players have received priority playing time under manager Gustavsson. Both Kyra Cooney-Cross, 21, and Mary Fowler, 20, are expected to play significant roles in Australia’s midfield and have benefitted from Gustvasson’s confidence in them.

We’re not crying, you are 🥹

📹 Watch the moment our players found out they made the final squad for the #FIFAWWC #TilitsDone pic.twitter.com/Pp4umMCOyn

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 3, 2023

“Today is the end of a two-and-a-half-year process and the wonderful start of a thrilling new journey for the team,” head coach Gustavsson said. “Selecting this World Cup squad has been the toughest challenge so far, but the whole coaching and support staff are all completely overjoyed for the 23 players who will represent the nation during this tournament.”

Australia Women’s World Cup 2023 Squad

“These 23 players not only exemplify what it means to be a part of the tradition of the CommBank Matildas, but also what it means to represent the 25 million Australians we know are fully behind us. They have the heart, desire and the passion for the crest, and I can’t wait to see the next part of their story.” said Gustavsson at the press conference.

“This is a special group of players who, when you see the anticipation around the tournament and level of interest for women’s football, have already sparked a transformation. We can’t wait to get the tournament underway in front of a record crowd of support.” 

Australia is in great spirits after defeating the Lionesses 2-0 in April to become the first team to defeat England under Sarina Wiegman.

After losing 1-0 to Scotland earlier in the break, Australia gained confidence with the victory with to goals from Sam Kerr and Charley Grant.

Australia vs France : FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 preparations with a final “Send Off” Match

Australia will wrap up its FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 preparations with a final “Send Off” Match against fellow competitors France on Friday, July 14, 2023 in front of a packed Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. Full live coverage of the game will be available on Paramount+,10 Bold and 10 Play.

Starting Line-up XI :

STARTING XI 🗒

Here’s how we line up against France in front of a sold-out crowd at Marvel Stadium! 💪

⏰: 7:30 pm AEST
📺💻📱: 10 Bold @10footballau#Matildas #AUSvFRA pic.twitter.com/eqdh4pTItQ

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 14, 2023

Who is Australia’s Manager?

When it comes to women’s football, Gustavsson has a very good résumé. He joined Tyresö in 2012 after managing in the men’s game, guiding them to their first Damallsvenskan championship and a Champions League final but when they went bankrupt, Gustvasson moved to United States.

Gustvasson joined the United States Women’s National Team as an assistant coach, helping them to win the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.

In 2020, he resigned to take over as manager of Australia’s first team. While Gustavsson’s record hasn’t always been stellar—the 2022 Asian Cup exit was a particular letdown—making the Tokyo Olympics semifinals was considered a major accomplishment.

Australia’s Group B Fixtures

20 July
Australia-Republic of Ireland (20:00 local time, 06:00 ET, Accor Stadium, Sydney)

27 July
Australia-Nigeria (20:00 local time, 06:00 ET, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)

31 July
Australia-Canada (20:00 local time, 06:00 ET, AAMI Park, Melbourne)