It is set to be a huge month for Australian football as the country gears up to co-host the Women's World Cup, with their national team the Matildas being one of the favourites to go on a deep run at the tournament.
The country is being gripped by World Cup fever, with games featuring the Matildas sold out, with over 80,000 fans expected to be at Stadium Australia for their first match against the Republic of Ireland on July 20.
This, combined with the presence of superstars such as Sam Kerr, means this could be Australia's best chance to achieve something big at a World Cup.
The Sporting News takes an in-depth look at all 23 players on the Matildas World Cup squad, which has plenty of experience from previous campaigns but enough new talent to keep the side fresh and exciting.
MORE: Live Blog: Australia vs Republic of Ireland
Australia squad for 2023 Women's World Cup
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson announced the final 23-player squad for the World Cup on home soil on July 3, with few surprises in the final selections.
Chloe Logarzo was perhaps unlucky to miss out, while Kyah Simon was selected despite not playing any football since October due to injury.
MORE: Matildas complete World Cup draw
| Name | Position | Club | Caps (goals) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mackenzie Arnold | Goalkeeper | West Ham United (ENG) | 34 (0) |
| Teagan Micah | Goalkeeper | Liverpool (ENG) | 14 (0) |
| Lydia Williams | Goalkeeper | Brighton and Hove Albion (ENG) | 102 (0) |
| Ellie Carpenter | Defender | Olympique Lyon (FRA) | 61 (3) |
| Steph Catley | Defender | Arsenal (ENG) | 109 (3) |
| Charlotte Grant | Defender | Vittsjo GIK (SWE) | 18 (1) |
| Clare Hunt | Defender | Western Sydney Wanderers (AUS) | 5 (0) |
| Alanna Kennedy | Defender | Manchester City (ENG) | 108 (8) |
| Aivi Luik | Defender | BK Hacken (SWE) | 42 (1) |
| Courtney Nevin | Defender | Leicester City (ENG) on loan from Hammarby IF (SWE) | 21 (0) |
| Clare Polkinghorne | Defender | Vittsjo GIK (SWE) | 156 (16) |
| Alex Chidiac | Midfielder | Racing Louisville (USA) | 26 (2) |
| Kyra Cooney-Cross | Midfielder | Hammarby IF (SWE) | 27 (0) |
| Mary Fowler | Midfielder | Manchester City (ENG) | 36 (9) |
| Katrina Gorry | Midfielder | Vittsjo GIK (SWE) | 120 (63) |
| Emily van Egmond | Midfielder | San Diego Wave (USA) | 127 (30) |
| Clare Wheeler | Midfielder | Everton (ENG) | 13 (0) |
| Tameka Yallop | Midfielder | SK Brann (NOR) | 112 (12) |
| Caitlin Foord | Forward | Arsenal FC (ENG) | 108 (29) |
| Sam Kerr | Forward | Chelsea (ENG) | 120 (63) |
| Hayley Raso | Forward | Real Madrid (ESP) | 70 (12) |
| Kyah Simon | Forward | Unattached | 111 (29) |
| Cortnee Vine | Forward | Sydney FC (AUS) | 16 (3) |
Australia Women's World Cup 2023 players on final roster
The player snapshots below are in alphabetical order by last name with all stats correct prior to the start of the tournament in Australia & New Zealand:
Mackenzie Arnold
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Age: 29 / Height: 1.79m
- Clubs: West Ham United (2020-present), Chicago Red Stars (2019), Arna-Bjornar (2018), Brisbane Roar (2016-2020), Perth Glory (2011-2012, 2014-2016), Western Sydney Wanderers (2013-14), Canberra United (2012-13)
- Place of birth: Gold Coast, Queensland
- Matildas appearances: 34 / Goals: 0
Mackenzie Arnold spent the early years of her career bouncing around multiple clubs in the Australian W-League before finally settling down in her home state of Queensland with Brisbane Roar in 2016. Loan spells in Norway and the USA followed before a move to WSL side West Ham United in 2020. She cemented herself as starting keeper for the English team and played 27 times in 2022/23. She has also been involved with the Matildas since 2012 — going to the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, and the 2016 and 2020 Olympics — and is tipped to be their No.1 keeper at the upcoming tournament.
Ellie Carpenter
- Position: Right-back
- Age: 23 / Height: 1.64m
- Clubs: Lyon (2020-present), Melbourne City (2019-2020), Portland Thorns (2018-2020), Canberra United (2017-2019), Western Sydney Wanderers (2015-2017)
- Place of birth: Cowra, New South Wales
- Matildas appearances: 61 / Goals: 3
Ellie Carpenter has been involved in the national team set-up from a very young age, being called up to a Matildas training squad at the age of just 15 after her first season at Western Sydney Wanderers. After successful spells at multiple Australian clubs and in the USA with Portland Thorns, the exciting full-back earned a move to powerhouse French side Lyon in 2020, where she quickly became starting right-back and one of the top defenders in the world. She recently made her return from a long-term ACL injury suffered in the 2022 Champions League final, and she has a good chance of starting in the opening match despite the strong form of Charli Grant in recent fixtures.
Steph Catley
- Position: Left-back
- Age: 29 / Height: 1.71m
- Clubs: Arsenal (2020-present), Reign FC (2018-19), Orlando Pride (2016-17), Melbourne City (2015-2020), Portland Thorns (2014-2015), Melbourne Victory (2009-2015)
- Place of birth: Melbourne, Victoria
- Matildas appearances: 109 / Goals: 3
Matildas vice-captain Steph Catley is almost certainly a lock for the left-back spot at the Women's World Cup. She impressed for many years at hometown club Melbourne Victory before having having continued success in both Australia and in the USA's NWSL. She was one of many Matildas players who earned a big European move in 2020 when she signed for Arsenal, quickly becoming a key figure in the Gunners' back line. Injury issues kept her out of the national team for a time during Gustavsson's tenure, but she has shrugged them off and is set to play in her third World Cup.
Alex Chidiac
- Position: Central midfielder
- Age: 24 / Height: 1.60m
- Clubs: Racing Louisville (2022-present), Melbourne Victory (2021-2023), JEF United Chiba (2021-2022), Melbourne City (2015-2016, 2020-2021), Atletico Madrid (2018-2020), Adelaide United (2014, 2016-2018)
- Place of birth: Sydney, New South Wales
- Matildas appearances: 27 / Goals: 2
Alex Chidiac is a fan favourite despite not being a regular starter for the Matildas, with the crafty midfielder having the technical ability to break games open and the flair to excite fans. Having played alongside boys in junior football, her strong performances in the W-League earned her a move to Spanish side Atletico Madrid in 2018, but injury and COVID disrupted her time there. This also coincided with her absence from the national side; debuting at 16, she was left out World Cup and Olympic squads and had three years between Matildas appearances. Gustavsson has brought her back into the fold, though, and sees her as a key impact weapon off the bench in tight games.
Kyra Cooney-Cross
- Position: Central midfielder
- Age: 21 / Height: 1.64m
- Clubs: Hammarby IF (2022-present), Melbourne Victory (2017-2019, 2020-2022), Western Sydney Wanderers (2019-2020)
- Place of birth: Herston, Queensland
- Matildas appearances: 27 / Goals: 0
Despite only being 21 years of age, Kyra Cooney-Cross has a good chance of starting in midfield at the World Cup, such is her quality and importance to the team. She impressed at a young age with Melbourne Victory, scoring a goal directly from a corner in the 2020 W-League Final in the last minute of extra time to win her side the game. She has since moved to Swedish side Hammarby where she has continued to impress. She was part of the Matildas squad that finished fourth at the 2020 Olympics, and her vision and passing ability means she is a key figure in Gustavsson's side.
Caitlin Foord
- Position: Winger, striker
- Age: 28 / Height: 1.69m
- Clubs: Arsenal (2020-present), Portland Thorns (2018-2019), Sydney FC (2010-2014, 2017-2020), Vegalta Sendai (2017), Sydney FC (2016-2017), Sky Blue FC (2013-2014, 2015), Perth Glory (2014-2016), Central Coast Mariners (2009-2010)
- Place of birth: Shellharbour, New South Wales
- Matildas appearances: 108 / Goals: 29
Caitlin Foord will be central to any major success the Matildas have at the World Cup. A versatile attacker with speed and technical ability, it will be her fourth finals after appearing in the 2010 edition at just 16 years old. She was a right-back then but has now cemented her status as a key forward for the Matildas as well as club side Arsenal, who she joined in 2020. Whilst she missed the most recent international friendlies through injury, she is a nailed-on starter for the Matildas, and her combination with Sam Kerr could help carry the hosts to a deep run in the tournament.
Mary Fowler
- Position: Winger, central midfielder
- Age: 20 / Height: 1.72m
- Clubs: Manchester City (2022-present), Montpellier (2020-2022), Adelaide United (2019-2020), Bankstown City, (2019), Illawarra Stingrays (2019)
- Place of birth: Cairns, Queensland
- Matildas appearances: 36 / Goals: 9
Along with Cooney-Cross, Mary Fowler is seen as one of the Matildas' most exciting young talents and one of the best young players in the women's game. Having made her international debut at the age of just 15, she has already been to a World Cup and an Olympics and is set for a long career in green and gold. She moved to French side Montpellier before her 17th birthday, where her impressive form eventually earned her a transfer to WSL side Manchester City last year. Playing on the wing or in central midfield for the national team, Fowler has a strong chance of being one of the starting wingers in the opening game against the Republic of Ireland.
Katrina Gorry
- Position: Central midfielder
- Age: 30 / Height: 1.54m
- Clubs: Vittsjo GIK (2022-present), Brisbane Roar (2012-2020, 2020-2022), Avaldsnes (2020), Utah Royals (2018), Vegalta Sendai (2017), FC Kansas City (2014), , Ottawa Fury (2012), Melbourne Victory (2009-2010, 2011-2012), Adelaide United (2010-2011)
- Place of birth: Brisbane, Queensland
- Matildas appearances: 93 / Goals: 17
After a one-and-a-half-year absence from the national team due to having a baby, Katrina Gorry has once again become an important presence of experience and quality for the Matildas. She was previously a part of two World Cup and two Olympics campaigns between 2015-2020 and had a long stint at hometown club Brisbane Roar. Since her return to the national side in 2022, she has formed a strong partnership with Cooney-Cross, with the pair starting in the wins over Spain and England and creating multiple chances for the attackers.
Charli Grant
- Position: Left-back, right-back
- Age: 21 / Height: 1.65m
- Clubs: Vittsjo GIK (2022-present), FC Rosengard (2021-2022), Adelaide United (2018-2021)
- Place of birth: Adelaide, South Australia
- Matildas appearances: 18 / Goals: 1
Whilst Charli Grant made her Matildas debut in 2021, it wasn't until halfway through last year that she began to play more regularly in the national side after Ellie Carpenter's long-term injury. It wasn't easy at times, as she was involved in the 7-0 drubbing at the hands of Spain, but her performances have matched the team's improvement and she has been one of the most impressive players for the Matildas in the past year. Her form culminated in scoring her first international goal in the famous 2-0 win over England, and her ability to play on both flanks makes her a valuable player, though Carpenter's return to fitness may mean she'll have to settle for a spot on the bench to begin the World Cup.
Clare Hunt
- Position: Centre-back
- Age: 24
- Clubs: Western Sydney Wanderers (2021-present), Canberra United (2016-2021)
- Place of birth: Grenfell, New South Wales
- Matildas appearances: 5 / Goals: 0
Clare Hunt wasn't even near contention for the Matildas squad this time last year, which shows how remarkable her rise has been. She battled a slew of injuries that required four ACL operations as well as a shoulder reconstruction to become captain of club side Western Sydney Wanderers and their back-to-back player of the year. Her form for the Wanderers at the back end of 2022 and an injury to incumbent centre-back Alanna Kennedy saw Hunt named in the Cup of Nations squad, making her debut off the bench and wowing teammates, coaches and fans at how quickly she slotted into the side. She has since nailed down a starting spot and is set to lead the back line alongside Clare Polkinghorne at the World Cup.
Alanna Kennedy
- Position: Centre-back
- Age: 28 / Height: 1.76m
- Clubs: Manchester City (2021-present), Tottenham Hotspur (2020-2021), Sydney FC (2010-2011, 2012-2013, 2015-2017, 2018-2020), Melbourne City (2017-2018), Orlando Pride (2017-2020), Western New York Flash (2016), Perth Glory (2014-2015), Western Sydney Wanderers (2013-2014), Newcastle Jets (2011-2012)
- Place of birth: Campbelltown, New South Wales
- Matildas appearances: 108 / Goals: 8
Alanna Kennedy, for much of her international career, has been a mainstay in the Matildas side, making the centre-back position her own. After impressing for multiple W-League clubs at home, she jetted off to the USA and played for several NWSL clubs whilst also playing back in Australia in the offseason. She then joined the growing Matildas contingent in the UK, firstly playing for Tottenham Hotspur before joining Manchester City. Her time in England has been blighted by injuries, though, which has also cost her a starting spot for the national team. Her presence at the World Cup will still be invaluable given her experience at two previous tournaments and two Olympic campaigns.
Sam Kerr
- Position: Striker, winger
- Age: 29 / Height: 1.67m
- Clubs: Chelsea (2020-present), Chicago Red Stars (2018-2019), Sky Blue FC (2015-2017), Perth Glory (2008-2011, 2014-2019), Western New York Flash (2013-2014), Sydney FC (2012-2014)
- Place of birth: East Fremantle, Western Australia
- Matildas appearances: 120 / Goals: 63
It is difficult to sum up the achievements of Sam Kerr for club and country and to state her importance to the national team. Not only is she the record goalscorer for Australia (both men and women), she also has the most goals in NWSL history and has 90 in 116 games for a Chelsea side sweeping all before it in England. She debuted for the Matildas in 2009 at the age of 15 and scored in the 2010 Asian Cup that Australia won. She has 63 goals in 120 games for her country and is currently the captain, as well as one of the most recognisable athletes in the country. She is one of the world's best players and is in her prime, with football fans all over the world eagerly anticipating her performances at the home World Cup.
Aivi Luik
- Position: Centre-back, left-back, central midfielder
- Age: 38 / Height: 1.66m
- Clubs: BK Hacken (2022-present), Pomigliano (2021-2022), Sevilla (2020-2021), Melbourne City (2015-2020), Avaldsnes (2019) Levante (2018-2019), Kalmar (2018), Valerenga (2017), Notts County (2016-2017), Fylkir (2015), Perth Glory (2012-2014), Brondby IF (2011-2012), Ottawa Fury (2010), Brisbane Roar (2009-2012), F.C. Indiana (2005-2009)
- Place of birth: Perth, Western Australia
- Matildas appearances: 42 / Goals: 1
The oldest member of the Matildas World Cup squad, Aivi Luik has had a career that has seen her traverse the globe and play in 10 different countries. She made her Matildas bow in 2010 and was part of the side that won the Asian Cup the same year. She continued to make appearances for the team over the years until she announced her retirement from international football in 2021. That didn't last long, as she returned for the 2022 Asian Cup campaign where she also scored her first international goal. Her versatility is a key strength, being able to play in defence and midfield, and whilst she may see less game time than her teammates at the tournament, her off-field impact will be invaluable to the younger players in the squad.
Teagan Micah
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Age: 25 / Height: 1.76m
- Clubs: Liverpool (2023-present), FC Rosengard (2021-2023), Sandviken (2021), Melbourne City (2020-2021), Arna-Bjornar (2020), Melbourne Victory (2019-2020), UCLA Bruins (2016-2019), Western Sydney Wanderers (2015-2016), Brisbane Roar (2013-2015)
- Place of birth: Moe, Victoria
- Matildas appearances: 14 / Goals: 0
Teagan Micah was a late bloomer in the Matildas squad, making her debut in the 2020 Olympics against Sweden, where her performance against Great Britain in the quarterfinal earned high praise (she was the player of the match and saved a penalty in extra time). This came after a three-year career in the U.S college system at UCLA and stints at various Australian clubs. She has just signed for WSL club Liverpool after strong form in Sweden with FC Rosengard. Despite her performances at the Olympics, in recent months she has been sidelined by Mackenzie Arnold, who looks set to start the World Cup in goal for the Matildas, though Micah remains a great back-up option should injury or suspension force Arnold out of the side.
Courtney Nevin
- Position: Left-back
- Age: 21 / Height: 1.65m
- Clubs: Leicester City (2023-present), Hammarby IF (2022-2023), Melbourne Victory (2021-2022), Western Sydney Wanderers (2018-2021)
- Place of birth: Blacktown, New South Wales
- Matildas appearances: 22 / Goals: 0
Courtney Nevin is one of the players Gustavsson has introduced to the Matildas system during his tenure. She made her debut in 2021 and was also part of the 2020 Olympics squad, being added after a rule change meant the squad sizes were extended. Her Matildas berth came after three strong seasons at hometown club Western Sydney Wanderers, where she won the player of the season award in 2020. Successful stints at Melbourne Victory and Swedish side Hammarby IF followed, and at the start of the year, Nevin joined WSL side Leicester City on loan, a move made permanent in June. She is strong back-up for Catley and has the ability to make a big impact at both ends of the pitch.
Clare Polkinghorne
- Position: Centre-back
- Age: 34 / Height: 1.71m
- Clubs: Vittsjo GIK (2021-present), Avaldsnes IL (2020), Houston Dash (2018-2019), Portland Thorns (2015), INAC Kobe Leonessa (2014), Brisbane Roar (2008-2021)
- Place of birth: Brisbane, Queensland
- Matildas appearances: 156 / Goals: 16
Clare Polkinghorne is the most capped Matilda at the World Cup and is taking part in her fifth World Cup, having made her Australia debut in 2006. In her early days in the squad, she was a utility player that could slot in anywhere across the backline, but in recent years she has made herself at home at centre-back, forming a strong partnership with Alanna Kennedy for some time. Her club career was spent mostly in her home state of Queensland with Brisbane Roar, along with an occasional stint overseas. She departed for Europe permanently in 2020, firstly to Norway followed by settling at Vittsjo GIK in Sweden, where she plays alongside Matildas teammates Charli Grant and Katrina Gorry. Despite being a centre-back, she has scored six goals in the past two years under Gustavsson.
Hayley Raso
- Position: Winger
- Age: 28 / Height: 1.62m
- Clubs: Real Madrid (2023-present), Manchester City (2021-2023), Everton (2020-2021), Brisbane Roar (2013-2014, 2017-2019, 2019-2020), Canberra United (2011-2013, 2016-2017), Portland Thorns (2016-2019), Melbourne Victory (2015-2016), Washington Spirit (2015)
- Place of birth: Brisbane, Queensland
- Matildas appearances: 70 / Goals: 12
In her third World Cup squad, Hayley Raso is an exciting winger who gives the Matildas attack another dimension and wreaks havoc on opposition full-backs. Having made her debut at 17 years old in 2012, she has become popular amongst fans and is known for wearing distinct ribbons in her hair during games. After splitting her career between Australia and the USA, she made the move to England in 2020, signing for Everton. Her performances caught the attention of Manchester City, who signed her a year later. She recently became the first Australian footballer to sign for Real Madrid. Raso also overcame a serious back injury where she fractured three vertebrae in 2018, leading to fears she would never walk again. Not only did she do that, but she scored in her return match for the Matildas at the 2019 Cup of Nations. She has a strong chance of starting at the World Cup.
Kyah Simon
- Position: Striker
- Age: 32 / Height: 1.65m
- Clubs: Tottenham Hotspur (2021-2023), PSV (2020-2021), Houston Dash (2018-2019), Melbourne City (2017-2020), Boston Breakers (2012-2013, 2015-2016), Sydney FC (2009-2013, 2014-2017), Western Sydney Wanderers (2013-2014), Central Coast Mariners (2008-2009)
- Place of birth: Blacktown, New South Wales
- Matildas appearances: 111 / Goals: 29
She may be a Matildas legend and have scored the most famous goal in the team's history, but many believed Kyah Simon would not get the chance to play a World Cup on home soil after a knee injury meant she hadn't kicked a ball since October. Simon has had to battle many injuries throughout a career that has seen her score buckets of goals in Australia and the USA, but she is most known for her presence in the Matildas side since 2007. And she also has the honour of being the only Australian footballer to score a winning goal in the knockout tournament of a World Cup, with her goal against Brazil in the round of 16 helping the Matildas qualify for the quarterfinals in 2015. Her inclusion in the final squad caught many by surprise, but if she can work herself to fitness, her experience and quality off the bench could prove the difference in tight games.
Emily van Egmond
- Position: Central midfielder, attacking midfielder
- Age: 30 / Height: 1.79m
- Clubs: San Diego Wave (2022-present), Newcastle Jets (2011-2013, 2018-2018, 2021), Orlando Pride (2018-2020, 2021), West Ham United (2020-2021), Melbourne City (2019-2020), Wolfsburg (2016-2017), 1. FFC Frankfurt (2015-2016), Chicago Red Stars (2014), Western Sydney Wanderers (2013-2014), Seattle Reign FC (2013), Western New York Flash (2012), Fortuna Hjorring (2011), Canberra United (2009-2011)
- Place of birth: Newcastle, New South Wales
- Matildas appearances: 127 / Goals: 30
Emily van Egmond will be appearing at her fourth World Cup, and her intelligence and attacking prowess in midfield will be highly useful to Gustavsson in the tournament. One of the most experienced players in the squad, she has had a distinguished club career with stints in Germany, England and the USA as well as in Australia. She was also part of the Matildas side that won the 2010 Asian Cup, and scored her first ever international goal at the 2011 World Cup. She has continued to remain a key player over the years, and whilst she may not be a guaranteed starter such is the quality of the Australian midfield, she will have a significant impact on the pitch no matter her role in the team.
Cortnee Vine
- Position: Winger
- Age: 25 / Height: 1.67m
- Clubs: Sydney FC (2020-present), Western Sydney Wanderers (2019-2020), Newcastle Jets (2017-2019), Brisbane Roar (2015-2017)
- Place of birth: Shepparton, Victoria
- Matildas appearances: 16 / Goals: 3
One of the few players in the squad to be plying her trade in the local A-League Women's, Cortnee Vine is nonetheless still one of the more exciting and impactful players in the group. She has pace to burn and is also strong despite her smaller stature, meaning she is a menace for opposition full-backs. She made her debut for the national team at the 2022 Asian Cup and has impressed with her performances for the Matildas, including scoring a belter of a long-range goal against Spain in the Cup of Nations. There is lots of competition in the wide areas, meaning Vine may not be a guaranteed starter, but she is sure to play some sort of a role at the tournament itself, which could put her in the shop window of the world's top clubs.
Clare Wheeler
- Position: Centre midfielder
- Age: 25 / Height: 1.62m
- Clubs: Everton (2022-present), Fortuna Hjorring (2021-2023), Sydney FC (2020-2021), Newcastle Jets (2013-2020)
- Place of birth: Coffs Harbour
- Matildas appearances: 14 / Goals: 0
Another player who was introduced to the Matildas set-up by coach Gustavsson, this is set to be her first World Cup campaign. Whilst Wheeler was involved in some of the more difficult periods of Gustavsson's tenure such as the Asian Cup debacle and the 7-0 loss to Spain, she has come through the tough period still considered a tidy player who can contribute to the Matildas in the coming years. Her performances firstly in Australia and then for Danish side Fortuna Hjorring earned her a move to WSL side Everton, where she has played a key role. Wheeler is in a competitive position in the Matildas squad, meaning minutes may be hard to come by in the tournament, though rotation could be utilised if they qualify for the knockout rounds early.
Lydia Williams
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Age: 35 / Height: 1.75m
- Clubs: Brighton and Hove Albion (2023-present), Paris Saint-Germain (2022-2023), Arsenal (2020-2022), Melbourne City (2016-2017, 2017-2020), Reign FC (2017-2018), Houston Dash (2016-2017), Canberra United (2008-2012, 2013-2014, 2015-2016), Western New York Flash (2014), Pitea IF (2012-2013), Chicago Red Stars (2008)
- Place of birth: Kattaning, Western Australia
- Matildas appearances: 102 / Goals: 0
Having made her Matildas debut in 2005, Lydia Williams' longevity in the national side is remarkable, having been part of every Asian Cup campaign since 2006 and every World Cup since 2007. She played a significant role in getting the Matildas to the quarterfinals of the 2015 World Cup, making many crucial saves in the victory over Brazil, and also performed well in the penalty-shootout loss to the same side at the Olympics a year later. Her time as No.1 in the team has seemingly passed, though, with Mackenzie Arnold and Teagan Micah seeing significant game time under Gustavsson, with Williams' appearances for the national team becoming more sporadic. She has also been on the books of some of Europe's big clubs since 2020 but struggled for game time at both Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain before settling at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Tameka Yallop
- Position: Central midfielder
- Age: 32 / Height: 1.58m
- Clubs: SK Brann (2022-present), West Ham United (2021-2022), Brisbane Roar (2008-2018, 2019-2021) Melbourne City (2018-2019), Klepp IL (2017-2018), Mallbackens (2016), Iga F.C. Kunoichi (2014), 1. FFC Frankfurt (2013), Boston Breakers (2012), Ottawa Fury (2010)
- Place of birth: Orange, New South Wales
- Matildas appearances: 112 / Goals: 12
Another experienced campaigner, Tameka Yallop is a player that has been a consistent presence in the Matildas midfield for years, making her debut in 2007 at the age of just 16. She has made over 100 appearances for the national side and is a popular member of the squad. She has also had a distinguished career at home and abroad, and she currently plays for Norwegian club SK Brann. One of her biggest assets to the team is her versatility, being able to fill in on the wing or in defence if required, and this may be the way she gets more game time than others in the midfield positions, with the Matildas possessing abundant quality in that area of the pitch, though Gustavsson may give her a start and look to her experience in some of the bigger games in the tournament.
