9:30pm NZT on Friday 28 November at Industree Group Stadium, Gosford, New South Wales

Watch live and free on FIFA+ and TVNZ

The Ford Football Ferns look to end 2025 on a high with a two-match series against their trans-Tasman rivals, Australia’s Matildas.

After a useful but challenging three-match tour in October across Mexico and the USA, head coach Michael Mayne will be aiming to take everything he can from the two upcoming fixtures to put the team in the best possible place ahead of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifying, which begins in early 2026.

The Matildas have had the upper hand over the Ferns in recent years, but this is a derby and anything can happen. It should be an exciting game.


Who is in contention to play?

Head coach Michael Mayne has made six changes to the squad selected for October’s tour, with Wellington Phoenix’s CJ Bott, Kolbotn IL’s Olivia Chance, Calgary Wild FC’s Ally Green, Stjarnan FC’s Betsy Hassett and Newcastle Jets’ Anna Leat all returning. Wellington Phoenix FC’s Lara Wall was also formally named for the first time after joining as an injury replacement last month. All will be pushing to get on the pitch.

It is particularly special for Liv Chance, who is part of the squad for the first time since the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 after taking time out to have her first child. Along with Betsy Hassett, there are now two mums in camp, both bringing their young children to Australia for the games.

In goal, there is genuine competition to start, with Anna Leat in strong form for Newcastle Jets after returning from injury, pushing Vic Esson for the No. 1 spot.


What head coach Michael Mayne has said:

"This is another opportunity for us to play a top side that we know we are going to have to compete against in Brazil (at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027), and we need to be able to compete and win these types of games.

“It’s probably a shift from the playing group about how we manage the occasion, but also how we find results in these kinds of games.”


Player to watch: Sam Kerr

The Matildas and Chelsea megastar is back in Australia to play for the first time in two years after returning from an ACL injury.

One of the biggest names in the global game, Kerr is a major threat whenever she takes to the field.


Where to watch

The match kicks off at 9:30pm NZT on Friday 28 November, live and free on FIFA+ and TVNZ.

Article added: Friday 28 November 2025