CommBank Matildas forward Hayley Raso said the two-match series against Mexico was an exciting time for the team as they begin preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™.
The 31-year-old experienced campaigner was speaking to media in Sydney ahead of the opening match in Newcastle on Saturday evening.
“Most of us are in our off-seasons now, so we finished off the big year. It's nice to get back with the team, get back around the girls, and start our preparation for another big year,” she said.
“It's always really exciting for us to play as a national team, and it's preparation for us now leading into the World Cup coming up next year.
“We’re starting a new phase, and that's beginning with these games against Mexico. It's the start of what we're looking forward to, which is the World Cup.”
Raso is coming off her first season with Eintracht Frankfurt who compete in the Frauen-Bundesliga. Despite limited minutes at club level, the winger has always been a player who lifts in the national team shirt.
“I enjoy Frankfurt. I enjoy the life there, the team, the football,” she said.
“It's tough because I'm working really hard and maybe not getting the reward in playing time, which is always tough as a footballer. I've got another season there, so I'm looking forward to that, and I'm definitely hoping to get more minutes and get the reward for the hard work that I'm putting in.
“This [the Matildas] is a place where I'm really confident and really happy. Whenever I put on the national team jersey, I lift to another level. It's just a place where I'm really proud, and I absolutely love playing for the national team.”
She revealed that the main focus of the camp from an internal perspective was tidying up their playing style, and working to their strengths.
“It will just be tidying up all of those little things that Joe wants us working on - keeping possession of the ball, making sure we're out playing teams, working to our strengths. We’ll see the start of that in these games, and we'll continue working on that until the World Cup,” she said.
The Queenslander is expecting Mexico to be a tricky test.
“They're obviously going to be a tough opponent. I remember playing against them a few years back - they're a strong team, passionate, and played really well,” she recalled.
“They man-marked us a little bit in that game, too. I know that Joe wants us to be more of a possession-based team and keep the ball, so hopefully that can work in our favour.
“Hopefully, I can get some good minutes and help as much as I can.”
In the case of a physical battle, Raso will be the last to back down, but she reiterated the importance of staying calm on the pitch and sticking to the game plan.
“We're a team that doesn't shy away from a battle or shy away from a fight,” she said.
“We're always up for a physical battle, but something you have to get your head around is to not get too caught up in that, and just remember to keep playing your own game.”
COMMBANK MATILDAS | JUNE 2026 | MATCH SCHEDULE
CommBank Matildas v Mexico
Date: Saturday, 6 June 2026
Kick-off: 7.15pm AEST
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
TV Broadcast: Network 10, Paramount+
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CommBank Matildas v Mexico
Date: Tuesday, 9 June 2026
Kick-off: 7.00pm AEST
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
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