The Ford Football Ferns tomorrow take on Mexico in a behind closed doors international friendly at Dignity Health Stadium.

Here’s what you need to know…

From head coach Jitka Klimková

“We play two different oppositions [during this international window] – a great opportunity for us to face different styles of play,  which we know is going to happen in July 2023. So it’s an amazing opportunity for our preparation. And we know Mexico is always a strong opposition. I know they didn't qualify for the world cup, but in the past historically they are a strong team. They can beat anybody any day. We are prepared and we will play to win.”

Squad news

Grace Jale and Hannah Wilkinson have been ruled out due to testing positive for COVID-19, and are now in isolation. Daisy Cleverley was unable to join up with the squad due to injury, with Maggie Jenkins called up as her replacement. Indiah-Paige Riley, called up to her first Ford Football Ferns camp since changing her international allegiance to Aotearoa New Zealand, could be in line to make her debut for the Ferns.

About Mexico

While Mexico didn’t qualify for next year's FIFA Women's World Cup, they pose a challenge to the Ferns. Mexico’s squad is largely drawn from Liga MX Femenil (Mexico’s top domestic league), as well as the NWSL and top European teams. In addition to the Ford Football Ferns game, Mexico will play Angel City FC in the Angelina Cup this international window. They are currently ranked 36 on FIFA’s international rankings.

Mexico’s squad

1          Alvarado Natividad Emily Sofía; Stade de Reims

2          González Rodríguez Itzel; América

3          González Tate Eva Beatriz; América

4          Jaramillo Quintero Christian Carolina; Guadalajara

5          Franco Tirado Yamile Azenek; Monterrey

6          García Castillo Diana Laura; Monterrey

7          Antonio López Nancy Guadalupe; Tigres

8          Mayor Gutiérrez Sandra Stephany; Tigres

9          Camberos Becerra Scarlett Nefer; América

10        Sánchez Morales María Guadalupe; Houston Dash

11        Ovalle Muñoz Lizbeth Jacqueline; Tigres

12        Cervantes Herrera Alicia; Guadalajara

13        Montoya Rodríguez Joseline; Guadalajara

14        Ordoñez Torres Diana Rosario; NC Courage

15        Bernal Rodríguez Rebeca; Monterrey

16        López Fuentes Jimena; OL Reign

17        Robles Salas Vaitiare Kenti; Real Madrid

18        Espinoza Casas Greta Alejandra; Tigres

19        Ferral Montalván Cristina del Carmen; Tigres

20        Sierra García Bianca Elissa; Tigres

21        Rodríguez Karina Anais; Washington Spirit

How you can follow the match

The Ford Football Ferns take on Mexico on 2 September, 4pm KO local time/3 September, 11am KO NZT at Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, Los Angeles

Mexico, as the home team, have chosen not to broadcast this match so instead follow our social media channels for updates and photos during the game. After the final whistle we will release highlights from the match on our YouTube channel. 

Article added: Friday 02 September 2022