Matildas Set for October Clash with England Ahead of 2026 Asian Cup

The Matildas will face England for the first time since 2023. (Image: Getty Images/Action Foto Sport/NurPhoto)

The Matildas are set to face England's Lionesses for the first time since their World Cup semi-final defeat, with the back-to-back Euros champions to provide a stern test in the leadup to the 2026 Asian Cup.

Australia will meet England at Derby's Pride Park on Tuesday, October 28 at 7:00pm (local - 6:00am Wednesday, October 29 AEDT), which will come just days after they face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, October 25 (local - 12:00am Sunday, October 26 AEDT) in a 2:00pm kick-off.

The two sides will clash just over two years after England defeated hosts Australia 3-1 at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Sydney, a loss which ended Australia's dream run. In their seven previous encounters with the old enemy, the Matildas have recorded two wins, one draw and four losses. They emerged victorious the last time the two nations met on English soil, a 2-0 win in Brentford back before the World Cup, in 2023.

The Matildas will head to the United Kingdom for a double dose of European opposition in October. (Image: Extra Time News/Ethan Wright)

England, currently ranked fourth in the world, secured their second-consecutive UEFA Women's Euros title in July, defeating World Cup holders Spain, who beat England in the 2023 final.

Matildas head coach Joe Montemurro said the October international window "is another key moment for the team" as they build towards a home AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2026.

Montemurro is still wary of the quality the English present, but values the positives of a tough challenge. “England are one of the top teams in the world, and facing a team of their quality, is a valuable opportunity for us to challenge ourselves."

“This match will provide a tough test that will help us assess where the team and players are at and identify areas for growth."

This window, along with the November/December window, represent the final opportunities for players to push their case and Matildas coaches to weigh up combinations ahead of the tournament.

“It is important that we use these international windows to push our limits, develop deeper connections within the group, and continue setting the standards that will define our performance moving forward."

The Matildas have faced a range of highly-ranked opposition in the leadup to the Asian Cup, including Argentina earlier this year. (Image: Extra Time News/Ethan Wright)

The Matildas' home Asian Cup campaign gets underway in Perth against the Philippines on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

CommBank Matildas’ October FIFA Women’s International Window:

Wales v CommBank Matildas

Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025 / Sunday, 26 October 2025

Kick-off: 2:00pm BST (Local) / 12:00am AEDT

Venue: Cardiff City Stadium

England v CommBank Matildas

Date: Tuesday, 28 October 2025 / Wednesday, 29 October 2025

Kick-off: 7:00pm BST (Local) / 6:00am AEDT

Venue: Pride Park

Both matches will be broadcast live in Australia on Paramount+.