Matildas to play in Townsville for first time in series against New Zealand

The Matildas’ preparations for next year’s World Cup will include a historic match in Townsville.

The Sam Kerr-captained Matildas are set to play in Townsville for the first time. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

The Matildas will play in Townsville for the first time next month when they meet New Zealand in the opening match of their two-game series against the Football Ferns.

Having recently announced Canberra’s GIO Stadium as the venue for the second match of the series on April 12, Football Australia on Wednesday revealed Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium would host the series opener between the 2023 Women’s World Cup co-hosts on April 8.

Sam Kerr and the Matildas are heading to Townsville. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“North Queensland and Far North Queensland has a rich history of producing players for our men’s national teams, and we know that female participation continues to soar in these regions, so it’s our hope by playing this women’s international in Townsville, we will enable these participants to watch their footballing heroes in action and inspire a new generation of (Matildas),” FA chief executive officer James Johnson said.

“With just under 500 days to go (until the Women’s World Cup), it’s our vision to provide the football community and as many Australians as possible with the opportunity to watch the (Matildas) on home soil.”

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said hosting the Matildas was a “major coup” for the city.

“Australia and New Zealand will host the FIFA Women’s World Cup next year, so to have each country’s national football team play an international match in Townsville ahead of the World Cup is a major coup for the city,” Hill said.