Junior Matildas squad named for historic FIFA U-17 World Cup

Head coach Michael Cooper has announced the 21-player Junior Matildas squad for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. This marks the first time Australia will compete in this tournament.

The squad features a leadership group consisting of Willa Pearson, Maeve Nicholas, Annabelle Croll, and Rubi Sullivan. Pearson, a Sydney FC player described as a “once in 30 years” phenomenon, is noted for being the youngest player and goalscorer in A-League Women history.

Australia qualified for the tournament following a fourth-place finish at the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup. The team is placed in Group F, where they will face Chile, Spain, and Mexico. The tournament is scheduled to take place from October 17 to November 7.