The Matildas’ preparations for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup will step up a gear in October with a friendly against European powerhouse Germany.

Ranked third in the world, the Germans will provide the Australians with an extremely difficult test on October 10 (AEDT) in Karlsruhe.

“Germany is one of the premier teams in world football and a match against them is exactly the type of challenge we need as we continue building towards the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” Matildas coach Joe Montemurro said.

“One of the most important aspects of our preparation is exposing the group to different football cultures, playing styles and tactical approaches.
“Germany has a distinct football identity and is one of the strongest European nations, so this match gives us a valuable opportunity to experience a different type of opponent and for our players to test themselves.

“As we look towards the World Cup, it is important that we continue challenging ourselves against a variety of playing styles and the pressures that come with facing some of the world’s best teams.

“Every international window is an opportunity for us to grow, learn and further strengthen the foundations we are putting in place.”

Germany has won the Women’s World Cup twice and clinched the UEFA Women’s Championship on eight occasions.

However, the Matildas beat Germany 2-1 in the teams’ most recent meeting in October 2024 in Duisburg, where Kyra Cooney-Cross and Clare Hunt scored for the Australians.

Football Australia executive director of football Heather Garriock said meeting Germany later this year would provide the Matildas with “another significant benchmark”.

“Consistently challenging ourselves against top calibre opposition is an important part of our journey towards 2027,” Garriock said.

“Our goal is to ensure the Matildas are regularly exposed to the highest levels of international football, both home and away, so the team is best equipped to perform when it matters most on the world’s biggest stage.”

The Matildas were most recently together last month for a two-game series against Mexico.

The Mexicans won the first game 1-0 in Newcastle before Australia hit back with a 3-1 victory in Sydney.