Matildas return home to take on Chile

The Matildas' FIFA Women's World Cup preparations will return to home soil in November for a two-game series against Chile.

The matches will take place at Panthers Stadium in Penrith on Saturday, November 10 and Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium on Tuesday, November 13.

It will be the second straight year the Matildas have played games in Penrith and Newcastle with bumper crowds turning out in 2017 for a two-game series against Brazil.

Matildas coach Stajcic said the games against Chile will be an important part of Australia's preparation for June's Women's World Cup in France.

“Chile are an emerging nation in international women’s football and have qualified for next year’s FIFA Women’s World cup for the first time in their history,” Stajcic said. 

“For us to prepare for the FIFA Women’s World Cup we need to play against a diverse range of opposition and Chile will be a great challenge for us.

“The atmosphere at our matches in Penrith and Newcastle last year was amazing and I know that the players are looking forward to running out in front of large, vocal home crowds."

The announcement follows on from news the Matildas will play world number three side France in Saint-Etienne this October.

Australia are also rumoured to be negotiating a match with England in the lead up to the World Cup.