Matildas to clash with Colombia at Geelong's Kardinia Park

Geelong's Kardinia Park has been chosen as the venue for the second leg of a two-match series between the Matildas and Colombia.

The Victorian government announced the fixture today, with Geelong being the only Victorian city to host the Matildas this year. The match is expected to serve as a valuable test ahead of the World Cup in Brazil in June.

The Matildas will return to Victoria this year, with the December 2 fixture marking their second game in the state since May 2025. Two years ago, 30,000 fans packed out Kardinia Park to see the "Tillies" beat Chinese Taipei 6-0.

"This blockbuster clash will drive visitation across the Geelong region, support local businesses and showcase Victoria's unmatched ability to host world-class sporting events," Visit Victoria chief executive Brendan McClements said.

Football Australia deputy chief executive Heather Garriock said Victorians' support of the Matildas was "always outstanding".

"We're delighted to bring the CommBank Matildas back to Victoria for what promises to be a special occasion for football fans, as our FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 preparations intensify," Ms Garriock said.

The first leg of the Colombia series will be played at Canberra Stadium on November 28. Both Australia and Colombia have already qualified for the World Cup.

The Matildas finished fourth in the 2023 World Cup, and earlier this year were runners up in the AFC Women's Asian Cup.

Ms Garriock, who is also Football Australia's executive director of football, said in August that the Colombia series would be an opportunity to give younger talent a chance to impress.

"We sat down with (coach) Joe (Montemurro) some 12 months ago when he started in the Matildas position, and we asked him what his ideal preparation was in the lead-up to the Women's World Cup," Ms Garriock said.

"It was very evident that different styles of play were important to him, but also trying to blood some of the next generation as well."

"We've seen that (younger players getting an opportunity) at the recent World Cup in the US with (Socceroos coach) Tony Popovic as well."