Overview

• The Matildas are playing the first of two friendly matches against South Korea at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, with approximately 35,000 fans expected.
• Key players including Ellie Carpenter, Hayley Raso, Mackenzie Arnold, and Katrina Gorry are sidelined due to injuries, forcing lineup adjustments.
• Teagan Micah starts as goalkeeper, while emerging players like Jamilla Rankin make their starting debuts in a transitional phase for the team.
• Interim coach Tom Sermanni, in his third stint, is focusing on integrating new talent as the team prepares for the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.
• South Korea previously eliminated the Matildas in the 2022 Asian Cup quarterfinals, adding historical significance to the friendly series.