After capturing the hearts of the nation throughout the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Matildas have quickly become Australia’s most beloved national sporting team.
Led by coach Tony Gustavsson, the squad played their way to the top of the table throughout their Olympic Games qualifiers, securing their shot at taking home their first Olympic gold.
As the team prepare to add another international win to their repertoire, we round up everything you need to know about the Matildas Olympic Games Paris 2024 campaign.
What group are the Matildas in?
In the early rounds of their Olympic Games campaign, the Matildas will be part of Group B alongside the United States, Zambia, and Germany.
The total group pools are set out as follows:
- Group A: France, Colombia, Canada, New Zealand.
- Group B: USA, Zambia, Germany, Australia.
- Group C: Spain, Japan, Brazil, TBA.
What is the Matildas Olympic Games Paris 2024 schedule?
The Matildas will play their first match of the Olympic Games on July 25, 2024.
The schedule for the Matildas group stage matches is as follows:
- Germany v. Australia: July 25, 2024 – 7:00 pm CET / July 26, 2024 – 3:00 am AEST.
- Australia v. Zambia: July 28, 2024 – 7:00 pm CET / July 29, 2024 – 3:00 am AEST.
- Australia v. United States: July 31, 2024 – 7:00 pm CET / August 1, 2024 – 3:00 am AEST.
How can the Matildas qualify for the knockout stage at the Olympics?
Despite losing their first match against Germany, there is still a chance that the Matildas can progress to the next stage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 competition.
After making an impressive comeback to win against Zambia, the Tillies are now third out of the four teams in their group, with Team USA topping the Group B standings with six points.
To progress to the next round, the Matildas will need to win or draw against Team USA. If they lose, Canada will need to lose their match against Colombia for the Australian team to progress to the next stage.
Unfortunately, if both Team USA and Canada win in the group stages, the Matildas will sadly not progress to the next round of the Olympic Games.
Who is the Matildas Olympic Games squad?
The Matildas’ Olympic Games Paris 2024 squad will see the return of many of the standout players from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, including goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, defender Ellie Carpenter, forward Hayley Raso, and midfielder Katrina Gorry.
Making their Olympic Games debut in the green and gold are Kaitlyn Torpey, Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler, and Clare Hunt.
You can see the full Matildas Olympics squad here.
Will Sam Kerr play in the Olympics?
Unfortunately for fans of the #20 jersey, Sam Kerr will not be competing with the Matildas at the Olympics.
In January 2024, Sam ruptured her ACL while at a Chelsea Football Club training session in Morrocco, with her injury requiring up to 12 months of rehabilitation.
Taking over Sam’s role as captain for Paris 2024 is Steph Catley, with Ellie Carpenter serving as vice-captain.
Where to watch the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Australia
To tune in to all the Matildas on-field action, the 2024 Olympic Games will be available to watch live on Nine and on-demand on 9Now and Stan Sport.
