Squad named for the Cup of Nations

A 25-player CommBank Matildas squad has been named to contest the 2023 Cup of Nations to be hosted across New South Wales later this month.

The six-match tournament will kick off at Industree Group Stadium in Gosford on Thursday, 16 February with Match Day 2 in Sydney on Sunday, 19 February before the Cup of Nations concludes on Wednesday, 22 February in Newcastle.

“The first camp of the year is always an exciting prospect following a lengthy break from the team environment, and in a FIFA Women’s World Cup™ year, it adds a little more anticipation,” CommBank Matildas’ head coach Tony Gustavsson said.

“Our Cup of Nations squad has been selected in line with our principles built in the back half of 2022 as we continue to create consistency and chemistry among the playing group. This is particularly important in a tournament that mirrors the group stage play and presents an opportunity to maximise our time together with less than 200 days until the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ kicks off.”

Keeping to the principle, 21 players from the November 2022 FIFA Women’s International window feature in the squad. Meanwhile experienced trio Emily Gielnik (forward), Tameka Yallop (midfielder) and Mackenzie Arnold (goalkeeper) return to the squad after completing their time on the sidelines due to injury.

Western Sydney Wanderers’ defender Clare Hunt earns her first call-up for the senior national team following strong performances in the Liberty A-League Women’s competition.

“We were pleased with the way the team progressed towards the end of 2022 and the matches provided many learnings for us to build on during these games later this month,” Gustavsson explained.

“We know there are some areas we need to continue evolving in and that will be the focus of our matches against three opponents that provide a real variety of approach,” Gustavsson concluded.

Tickets are currently on sale via matildas.com.au/tickets starting at $15 for Juniors and $25 for Adults with Concessions starting at $20.

The CommBank Matildas' three Cup of Nations matches will be broadcast live across 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+, with other matches live and exclusive to Paramount+.

COMMBANK MATILDAS MATCH SCHEDULE | 2023 CUP OF NATIONS

CommBank Matildas v Czechia
Date: Thursday, 16 February 2023
Venue: Industree Group Stadium, Gosford, NSW
Kick-Off: 7.10 pm kick-off AEDT. 
Tickets: Buy tickets!

CommBank Matildas v Spain
Date: Sunday, 19 February 2023
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick-Off: 6.00 pm AEDT.
Tickets: Buy tickets!

CommBank Matildas v Jamaica
Date: Wednesday, 22 February 2023
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, NSW
Kick-Off: 7.10 pm kick-off AEDT. 
Tickets: Buy tickets!

COMMBANK MATILDAS SQUAD | 2023 CUP OF NATIONS

SQUAD NOTES

• The CommBank Matildas currently have several squad regulars on the sidelines including Ellie Carpenter (knee), and Kyah Simon (knee). 
• Defender Clare Hunt becomes the 54^th different player called up during Tony Gustavsson’s tenure with five different A-League Women’s clubs and 11 different women’s leagues represented. 
• Over the past two years, 94 different players have been called into Australia’s senior high-performance environments by CommBank Matildas coaching staff.  The age range has been from 16 years of age to 36 years of age. 
• Clare Polkinghorne is just one match away from breaking the Australian football record for international appearances if the defender takes the part in any of the three Cup of Nations matches.
• Polkinghorne is the CommBank Matildas’ second longest-serving player having made her debut on 19 June 2006 against China.  Entering her 17^th year with the national team, the Queenslander has represented Australia at two Olympic Games (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020), four FIFA Women’s World Cups (including as captain in 2015) and five AFC Women’s Asian Cups (including the historic title-winning 2010 tournament).