The Matildas will be chasing their first FIFA Women's World Cup title in 2023 and they'll get the chance to fight for the elusive trophy on home soil.
Australia is co-hosting the tournament alongside New Zealand and the Matildas should be genuine contenders to be crowned champions.
While the Matildas have generally struggled at previous Women's World Cups, they currently have a star-studded squad in their prime and with enough experienced players who are capable of steering the team to glory in 2023.
So which Australian players should World Cup opponents be worried about? The Sporting News takes a look at five of the Matildas' most influential players.
MORE: Matildas Women's World Cup draw and fixtures
Top 5 Matildas World Cup players
This Australia team isn't short on talented players, but below are the five most likely to make a difference for the Matildas at the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Sam Kerr
- Position: Striker
- Age: 29
- Club: Chelsea (England)
- Caps (Goals): 119 (62)
- Debut: February 8, 2009 vs. Italy
One of the best players in the world, Kerr is the undisputed star of the Matildas with her goals and leadership as captain set to be key as the team look to become world champions.
Just Sam Kerr doing @SamKerr1 things.
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) April 12, 2022
Here's how she scored her second (and our third) of the night!
🎥: @10FootballAU #AUSvNZL #WeAreMatildas pic.twitter.com/uY4VhKG0b5
Steph Catley
- Position: Left-back
- Age: 29
- Club: Arsenal (England)
- Caps (Goals): 102 (3)
- Debut: June 24, 2012 vs. New Zealand
Australia's best when it comes to delivering set-pieces, Catley has the potential to unlock the opposition and is a real warrior with and without the ball.
Caitlin Foord
- Position: Forward
- Age: 28
- Club: Arsenal (England)
- Caps (Goals): 108 (29)
- Debut: May 12, 2011 vs. New Zealand
Foord will help Kerr carry the load in front of goal and is capable of scoring long-range stunners and going on blistering runs into the final third.
Katrina Gorry
- Position: Midfielder
- Age: 30
- Club: Vittsjo GIK (Sweden)
- Caps (Goals): 91 (17)
- Debut: July 11, 2012 vs. Japan
Back in the Matildas team after having a baby, Gorry has quickly shown how much the team missed her in midfield. A determined tackler with a touch of class on the ball, she is the glue that can keep the side together.
Katrina Gorry!! She's been fired up throughout this match and she's just fired @TheMatildas in front!!
— 10 Football (@10FootballAU) February 22, 2023
Matildas lead 1-Nil against Jamaica!! #AUSvJAM #CupOfNations pic.twitter.com/vbRvvVugjI
Clare Polkinghorne
- Position: Centre-back
- Age: 34
- Club: Vittsjo GIK (Sweden)
- Caps (Goals): 154 (16)
- Debut: June 19, 2006 vs China
The Matildas' most-capped player, it was impossible for Polkinghorne not to be on this list. The veteran has been a rock at the back for Australia over the years and has discovered a recent knack for scoring, too. She's another player whose experience and leadership will be vital if the Matildas are to win the World Cup.
Matildas top goal scorers all-time
Sam Kerr is the Matildas' top goal scorer of all-time with 62 tallies to her name for Australia.
The forward was the team's top scorer in 2022 with five goals, but has only netted once so far in 2023 to put her one behind Hayley Raso and Clare Polkinghorne after three games.
| Rank | Player | Goals | Games | Years active |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Sam Kerr | 62 | 119 | 2009-present |
| 2. | Lisa De Vanna | 47 | 150 | 2004-2019 |
| 3. | Kate Gill | 41 | 86 | 2004-2015 |
| 4. | Cheryl Salisbury | 38 | 151 | 1994-2009 |
| 5. | Sarah Walsh | 32 | 70 | 2004-2012 |
| 6. | Emily van Egmond | 30 | 127 | 2010-present |
| 7. | Caitlin Foord | 29 | 108 | 2011-present |
| Kyah Simon | 29 | 111 | 2007-present | |
| 9. | Joanne Peters | 28 | 110 | 1996-2009 |
| 10. | Sunni Hughes | 24 | 63 | 1989-2000 |
*Updated as of April 4, 2023
Can Matildas win Women's World Cup 2023?
Playing on home soil and recently winning the Cup of Nations, the Matildas are genuine contenders to win the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
While they won't be favourites — that honour will go to reigning champions USA — Australia are among several sides that are capable of going all the way.
Playing all of their games at home is a huge advantage, and the Matildas certainly boast players talented enough to inspire them to a trophy.
An early challenge for Australia at the World Cup will be a group stage match against Olympic champions Canada, who beat them twice in 2022. If the Matildas can win that game and head into the knockout stages on the back of three straight wins, they'll be a hard side to stop.
Women's World Cup winner odds
| Canada (Sports Interaction) | Neds (Australia) | UK (Skybet) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | +193 | 4.00 | 3/1 |
| England | +225 | 4.50 | 7/2 |
| Spain | +386 | 6.50 | 7/1 |
| Germany | +451 | 7.50 | 7/1 |
| France | +483 | 8.50 | 9/1 |
| Australia | +773 | 15.00 | 14/1 |
| Sweden | +1030 | 15.00 | 12/1 |
| Netherlands | +1030 | 19.00 | 16/1 |
| Brazil | +1610 | 29.00 | 20/1 |
| Canada | +2125 | 34.00 | 28/1 |
*Odds as of April 4, 2023
