CommBank Matilda Caitlin Foord said that the FIFA Series 2026™ was an important way for the side to begin preparing for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™.
She was speaking from Kenya, where the side has gathered ahead of their opening game against Malawi on Saturday.
“These games are important,” she said.
“Every World Cup we've been in, we've played an African team, and it's always a challenge. To get these games in and to get a step ahead is good. If we draw one of the African teams at the World Cup, we'll know what to expect playing these games.
“The women's game has grown so much, and the gap has closed. There aren't really lesser teams anymore. You've seen these lower-ranked teams take points off top-ranked teams. We’re not expecting easy games. They're going to be tough games.”
There has been a quick turnaround from the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ to this window. Foord said that it has been good to get the team back together after what was ultimately a successful tournament.
“It always feels good coming into camp,” she expressed.
“It was a really good tournament for us, on and off the pitch, so I was looking forward to getting back in with the girls. We’re excited to play our next game, to be able to bounce back after the final.
“To get good results against some of the best teams in the tournament is really positive, and it just shows the fight and the belief within the team and the squad. We were unlucky towards the end there to not finish on top, but overall, it was a really good tournament for us.”
There have been a few changes to the squad since the Asian Cup, with Leticia McKenna earning her first senior call-up while the likes of Jessika Nash and Isabel Gomez have returned to the national team set-up.
Foord praised the depth in the squad as different players push for starting spots/.
“Everyone wants to have that position on the pitch, and everyone's putting in the effort in training,” she said.
“One of the keys to our success at the Asian Cup was that the girls that didn't play too many minutes really pushed us in training. They did the job they had to do, and when they're called upon, they're ready to go.
“It’s nice for us to have good depth. Anyone can step on the pitch, know their job and their role, and play at a high standard.”
She said she was expecting a fast-paced and challenging playing style from their opponents.
“We've played African teams before, and they're very fast,” she said.
“The structures are a bit fluid, so for us, it's new challenges. You might end up with three players out wide, which you're not used to, or players kind of running everywhere.
“So for us, our communication and our work off the ball is going to be important. Communication is key, and sticking together, and then trying to hurt them in attack when they do open up.”
Foord finished by emphasising that the team was keeping their focus as inward as possible.
“We have to keep our standards high, and we have to continue to be at our best,” she said.
“There's no easy game in international football. We just need to focus on ourselves and be the best we can, and keep that high standard after the Asian Cup.”
WOMEN’S FIFA SERIES 2026- KENYA
Match One:
Kenya v India
Date: Saturday 11 April 2026/Sunday 12 April 2026 AEST
Kick-off: 6.00pm local/1.00am AEST
Venue: Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi
Match Two:
CommBank Matildas v Malawi
Date: Saturday 11 April 2026
Kick-off: 2.00pm local/9.00pm AEST
Venue: Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi
TV Broadcast: Paramount+
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Match Three:
Runner-up Match One v Runner-up Match Two
Date: Wednesday 15 April 2026
Kick-off: 2.00pm local/9.00pm AEST
Venue: Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi
Match Four:
Winner Match One vs Winner Match Two
Date: Wednesday 15 April 2026/Thursday 16 April 2026 AEST
Kick-off: 5.30pm local/12.30am AEST
Venue: Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi
TV Broadcast: All CommBank Matildas matches will be broadcast exclusively on Paramount+