Cooper: It shows promise for the future

CommBank Junior Matildas Head Coach Mike Cooper has praised his side's resilience following their 3-1 defeat to two-time champions Spain at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup™, highlighting the valuable experience gained against world-class opposition.

Despite a difficult opening to the match, which saw Australia concede two early goals, Cooper was pleased with the way his side regrouped and responded in the second half.

"Obviously, the game didn't start the way we wanted. Two goals down, pretty early, which was down to our kind of defensive structure. But really proud of how the girls then regrouped, got to halftime, and at halftime we made some changes, went out with a different structure, and the score in the second half was 1-1."

As the CommBank Junior Matildas compete in their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup™, Cooper emphasised the importance of exposing Australia's emerging talent to some of the world's best teams, with Australia's group featuring two-time champion Spain.

"It's brilliant. That's why we're here to get the group that we've got. You can see it's tough, but it's also a great opportunity. We've played against two really good countries so far. The girls are learning so much, so it's our job to help them short-term and long-term to make the most of this experience."

Australia managed to claw back a goal against Spain in their second group stage game, going down 3-1 to the side, with Cooper praising 15-year-old Frida Karaberis, whose second-half strike gave Australia a goal to celebrate against a strong Spanish side.

"Frida's two years younger as well, so for her to get that goal and start two games, it's great for her personally. And you can see the reaction from the girls once the goal went in."

Australia now turn their attention to a decisive Group F encounter against Mexico. Cooper said his side has to approach the match with belief and determination, with a chance to book their spot in the knockout stages.

"It's a must-win game. So our mindset will be coming up with a game plan. So exactly get that and go for it. You know we've travelled a long way. We put a lot of effort in. We might as well go for it."

"If we can get a result, we go through to the next phase, and that's huge for us. So everything now is preparing for Mexico."

Mexico v CommBank Junior Matildas 
Date: Sunday, 25 October 2026 (Local)/ Monday, 26 October 2026 (AEDT) 
Time: 3.00pm (Local)/ 2.00am (AEDT) 
Venue: Mohammed VI Football Academy, Salé, Morocco 
Watch: Stream on Paramount+