Australia will take on Spain in an international friendly next month as preparations heat up for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The tie will be held on June 25 (June 26 AEST), with the Matildas travelling to Estadio Nuevo Colombino in Huelva, Spain.
The Matildas most recently enjoyed two wins over New Zealand when they played friendlies in April, which came after a disappointing quarter-final exit at the Asian Cup in January.
Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas will headline a Spanish side that also includes Barcelona star Jennifer Hermoso.
Notably, Spain will be the seventh top 10 nation Australia has faced during head coach Tony Gustavsson’s tenure.
¡Hola España!
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) May 10, 2022
🇪🇸 v 🇦🇺: 26.06.22
📺💻📱: @10FootballAU#WeAreMatildas #ESPvAUS @SeFutbolFem pic.twitter.com/7GoN1zPF59
Football Australia CEO James Johnson believes it will be a great opportunity for the Matildas to test themselves against top-class opposition.
“To have an opponent of the calibre of Spain lined up for June is an enticing prospect for all fans of [the] Matildas and fans of football. When it comes to the women’s game right now, Spain is one of the leading nations in the world, whether it’s a club or national team football," Johnson said.
“We have been fully committed over the past 13 months to ensuring the CommBank Matildas have the strongest preparation possible for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, and Spain adds to the roster of top ten nations since national team activity re-commenced in 2021.
“We are appreciative of the co-operation of the Royal Spanish Football Federation in organising this important preparation match with the world’s biggest women’s sporting event fast approaching.”
Football Australia is also set to announce a second international friendly which will take place in the same friendly fixture window.
