Australia will be aiming to capitalise on their status as co-hosts and go deeper than ever before at the World Cup.

The Matildas have never ventured further than the quarter-finals on the world stage, losing to Norway on penalties in the last 16 in the last edition. 

However, led by Sam Kerr — arguably one of the best players in the world — Australia's chances of breaking new territory are as high as they have ever been in front of their home crowd.

Australia's group stage fixtures and UK kick-off times

Australia vs Republic of Ireland (Thursday, July 20, 11am) 

Australia vs Nigeria (Thursday, July 27, 11am) 

Canada vs Australia (Monday, July 31, 11am)

How Australia qualified for Australia and New Zealand 2023

Australia qualified for this tournament by default as co-hosts.

The Matildas have therefore had to rely on friendly matches and the 2023 Cup of Nations for preparation, though they have enjoyed success on both fronts. 

Tony Gustavsson's side won all three competitive matches — beating the Czech Republic, Spain and Croatia — before registering an eye-catching 2-0 friendly victory over England in April.

Predicted XI

GK: Mackenzie Arnold 
RB: Ellie Carpenter 
CB: Clare Polkinghorne 
CB: Clare Hunt 
LB: Steph Catley 
RM: Hayley Raso 
CM: Kyra Cooney-Cross 
CM: Katrina Gorry 
LM: Caitlin Foord 
ST: Sam Kerr 
ST: Mary Fowler

Star player: Sam Kerr

Sam Kerr is Australia's star striker. 

The 29-year-old led the line for Chelsea last season, registering 12 goals and five assists to help guide the West Londoners to a fourth consecutive WSL title. 

Her incisive movement consistently gets her into dangerous scoring positions, while she also looks to bring others into the game with her clever link-up play.

Kerr hit the target with 31 of her 79 shots, completed 30 key passes and won 47 aerial duels for the Blues en route to their league triumph.

One to watch: Kyra Cooney-Cross

Kyra Cooney-Cross, 21, has become a key cog in the Matildas’ midfield since making her debut for the senior side two years ago. 

She possesses brilliant close-control dribbling and can carve through opposition defences with ease before providing the final pass or striking at goal. 

In her last eight friendly appearances across 2022 and 2023 she has provided two assists for her Matildas team-mates and will hope to contribute further once the showpiece kicks off.

The boss: Tony Gustavsson

Gustavsson was appointed Australia's head coach in 2021. 

The Swedish tactician was an assistant coach to Jill Ellis with the United States sides that won the 2015 and 2019 World Cup. 

If Gustavsson can replicate that success with the co-hosts this summer, it will be his most impressive achievement.

Australia's 23-player World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham), Teagan Micah (Rosengard), Lydia Williams (Brighton).

Defenders: Ellie Carpenter (Lyon), Steph Catley (Arsenal), Charlotte Grant (Vittsjo), Clare Hunt (Western Sydney Wanderers), Alanna Kennedy (Manchester City), Aivi Luik (Hacken), Courtney Nevin (Leicester City), Clare Polkinghorne (Vittsjo).

Midfielders: Alex Chidiac (Racing Louisville), Kyra Cooney-Cross (Hammarby), Katrina Gorry (Vittsjo), Emily van Egmond (San Diego Wave), Clare Wheeler (Everton), Tameka Yallop (Brann).

Forwards: Caitlin Foord (Arsenal), Mary Fowler (Manchester City), Sam Kerr (Chelsea), Hayley Raso (Real Madrid), Kyah Simon (Unattached), Cortnee Vine (Sydney FC).

All information correct as of July 14