CommBank Matildas set for rare Colombia clash in Canberra

The CommBank Matildas will return to Canberra this November for a rare rematch with Colombia, with the South Americans having won the only previous meeting between the two nations. 

The opening match of the two-game series will be played at GIO Stadium Canberra on Saturday 28 November at 7.35pm AEDT, with the location for the second match to be announced. 

The Canberra clash will be just the second time the CommBank Matildas have played Colombia, giving Australia the chance to even the ledger against a side that has continued to establish itself among South America’s leading football nations. 

Colombia reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ - their best-ever finish at the tournament - and have already qualified for the 2027 tournament after topping their CONMEBOL qualifying group. Their squad features a generation of technically gifted players, including global star Linda Caicedo. 

The nations’ sole previous meeting came at the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, when Colombia secured a 2-1 victory. Both teams will be eager to make a statement and build momentum as the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 draws closer. 

With the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil the central focus for the CommBank Matildas, the series will allow Head Coach Joe Montemurro and his squad to experience a different football style, while testing the team against opponents capable of creating problems in a variety of ways. 

With both teams boasting a strong supporter base in Australia, the match is set to create a vibrant atmosphere at GIO Stadium Canberra.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said: 

“We’re pleased to welcome the CommBank Matildas back to Canberra and look forward to a full house at GIO Stadium Canberra.  

“The CommBank Matildas are one of Australia’s most popular sporting teams and continue to inspire the next generation of athletes through their success, professionalism and leadership on and off the field.  

“Supporting regular visits by Australia’s national teams is an important part of the ACT Government’s events strategy.” 

ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation Chris Steel said: 

"Bringing the CommBank Matildas to the Nation’s Capital will give thousands of young Canberrans the chance to watch their heroes in their own backyard.  

“We are committed to investing in women's sport so that the next generation of CommBank Matildas can come right from our local clubs. 

"Securing this match against Colombia isn't just about bringing world-class football to Canberra. It will pack out GIO Stadium Canberra, fill our local hotels and restaurants, and deliver a major boost to the ACT economy. 

"We absolutely love our football here in the ACT. It’s our most played sport, and I know Canberrans are going to pack the stands, bring the noise, and get right behind the CommBank Matildas." 

Football Australia Executive Director of Football Heather Garriock said: 

“Facing Colombia in Canberra is a fantastic opportunity for the CommBank Matildas and for football fans in the capital and we sincerely thank the ACT Government for their support.  

“This is a matchup we don’t get to see often, and the fact these teams have only met once before makes it a particularly exciting series. Playing different teams, different styles and different types of football is an important part of preparing ourselves for Brazil in 2027.   

“The CommBank Matildas have a strong connection with Canberra, and we know how much the fans get behind them when they come to town. We want this to be a great night of international football and an opportunity for supporters to see two high-quality teams going head-to-head at GIO Stadium Canberra.”