Matildas to play France in final test before the FIFA World Cup

Aussie star Sam Kerr and the Matildas will round out their preparation for this year’s home World Cup with a clash against European giants France in Melbourne.

The match was confirmed on Tuesday morning, with Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson declaring the clash with the world’s No.5-ranked team the perfect way for his side to get “dialled in” for the World Cup.

To be played at Marvel Stadium on June 14, the match will be the final international for the Matildas before their opening World Cup clash against Ireland on July 20.

“To have a send-off match against a team the calibre of France in a special city like Melbourne presents a wonderful opportunity for us to be dialled into the significance for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 early,” Gustavsson said.

“A dynamic, technically brilliant team over the years, France have been consistently one of the best nations in the world with incredible quality across all parts of their game. It will be one final challenge for us just days out from our World Cup opener.

“This send-off match is an essential final piece of our two year preparations for this tournament on home soil.

“Playing a big nation and World Cup contender in front a large and vocal Melbourne crowd will not only provide the team with a send-off they will remember and be inspired by, but it will give us one final taste of what to expect just days later in our opening match against the Republic of Ireland.”

The Matildas are coming off a successful campaign in the Cup of Nations that included victories over Spain, Jamaica and the Czech Republic.