Fowler and Carpenter Left Out of Matildas Team

Matildas Set for First FIFA Series in Kenya

The Australian women’s national football team, the Matildas, is preparing for their first-ever FIFA Series in April, with a focus on building momentum ahead of the upcoming Women’s World Cup. However, the squad will be without several key players as they head to Nairobi to face Malawi and either Kenya or India.

Sam Kerr has been named as one of the standout players in the 22-player squad, with the captain expected to lead the team in the friendly matches. Other notable names include Caitlin Foord, Mackenzie Arnold, Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy, Hayley Raso, and Clare Wheeler. The team will play against world No.153 Malawi on April 11 (April 12 AEST) and then take on either world No.134 Kenya or world No.67 India in their second game.

This series marks the Matildas’ first matches since their loss in the Women’s Asian Cup final to Japan on March 21. The team will use this opportunity to refine their strategies and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Despite the presence of strong players, several key athletes have been left out of the squad. Mary Fowler is among the most notable absentees, along with Ellie Carpenter, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Katrina Gorry, who have been granted leave from the tournament. Defender Clare Hunt will also miss the games after undergoing surgery on her right knee following an injury during the Asian Cup.

Fowler, however, was able to complete the Asian Cup without any issues, marking her first tournament since recovering from an ACL tear. This absence highlights the need for depth in the squad as the team continues to develop its playing style.

New Faces and Leadership

For the first time, Leticia McKenna from Melbourne City has been included in the Matildas squad, while Jessika Nash from US Sassuolo and Isabel Gomez from Central Coast Mariners are returning to international duty. These additions bring fresh energy to the team and provide opportunities for new players to gain experience.

Kerr, who scored four goals during the Asian Cup, will serve as the team captain, with Steph Catley as her deputy. This leadership structure is expected to help maintain consistency and drive the team forward.

Coach’s Vision for the Future

Head coach Joe Montemurro, who has only been in his role for just over 10 months, sees the FIFA Series as a crucial step in developing the squad and refining their approach ahead of the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

“This window gives us a valuable opportunity to reflect on the Women’s Asian Cup and continue building consistency that will underpin the team over the next 16 months,” Montemurro said in a statement. “The FIFA Series in Kenya will offer unique challenges and a test against diverse opposition. As we build toward the FIFA Women’s World Cup, it’s essential we expose ourselves to the styles and environments we’ll encounter on the global stage.”