A trans-Tasman challenge is lined up for the Ford Football Ferns as they are confirmed to play a two-game series against fellow FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 co-hosts Australia in the April international window on 8 and 12 April.

The Ferns will line up against their oldest and nearest rivals in Canberra and Townsville.

And while the two proud sporting nations are working together to put on the biggest FIFA Women’s World Cup ever next year, they will present a challenge on the pitch, says Ford Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková.

“The quick turnaround from the SheBelieves Cup give us a great opportunity to put what we learned in the USA into practice. And how better to continue our preparations for the world cup at home than to take on our co-hosts?” she says.

“It’s important we keep developing our player pool, decision-making on the field and upping our mentality to compete for 90 minutes and more. I’m looking forward to the challenges Australia offers, and competing against our neighbouring rival,” says Klimková.

The Ford Football Ferns’ most recent clash with their trans-Tasman rivals was the opening match at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, a 2-1 defeat that saw debutant Gabi Rennie scoring with her first touch of senior international football as goals from talismanic skipper Sam Kerr and midfielder Tameka Yallop sealed the win for Australia. The Australians would go on to make their first Olympic semi-finals in Tokyo, eventually losing to the USA in the bronze medal match.

Ranked 11th on FIFA’s Women’s Rankings, Australia was last in action in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup back in January, exiting in the quarter finals to eventual runners up Korea Republic. They, like the Ferns, are focused on preparing to perform at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Ford Football Ferns have built a connection with the Australian capital over recent years.  Forward Paige Satchell played her first season of A-League Women’s football for Canberra United last season, while head coach Jitka Klimková guided United to their first A-League Women’s title. The Ferns last played in the Australian capital back in 2013 for the 20213 Canberra Centenary Cup, drawing 1-1 before Australia won on penalties.

Match details

Friday, 8 April, kick-off 9.45pm (NZT). Venue: QCB Stadium, Townsville

Tuesday, 12 April 2022, kick-off 9.45pm (NZT). Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra.

Article added: Thursday 24 February 2022, updated 9 March 2022 with Townsville game details