Out of Australia’s 460 athletes competing at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the Matildas are easily among the top fan favourites. Our girls in green and gold have set their sights on a place on the Olympic podium, with three preliminary games standing between them and the quarter-finals – the first of which they'll play before the Opening Ceremony on July 25 (or the morning of July 26 in Australia). Sadly, the legendary Sam Kerr won't be on the field, after she suffered an ACL injury while training. But so many other fantastic players will be playing, so here's everything you need to know to get behind our gals.
When do the Matildas play at the Olympics?
We hate to break the news but all three of the Matildas preliminary matches will be played at 7pm Paris time, which falls in the very early hours of the morning here in Australia. This includes 1am AWST (WA), 2.30am ACST (NT, SA) and 3am AEST (ACT, QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS).
Here are the key mornings to tune in and watch the Matildas preliminary matches in Australia:
- Friday, July 26: Australia vs. Germany
- Monday, July 29: Australia vs. Zambia
- Thursday, August 1: Australia vs. USA
We have our fingers crossed that the Tillies will qualify for the following rounds, including:
- Saturday-Sunday, August 3-4: Quarter-finals
- Tuesday, August 7: Semi-finals
- Friday, August 9: Bronze medal match
- Sunday, August 11: Gold medal match
How many games have the Matildas won so far?
The Matildas were defeated by Germany three-to-zero in their opening Olympic match. However, they made a remarkable comeback in their match against Zambia, winning six-to-five.
Sadly, the Matildas were eliminated from the Olympics after losing their final group game to the USA two-to-one.
How to watch the Matildas play at the Olympics in Australia?
You can watch the Matildas compete in the Olympics on more than 40 free-to-air channels under the Nine Network, including Channel 9 and 9Gem. If you prefer a sleep-in, you can watch the games for free after they’ve happened on the 9Now streaming platform. Stan Sport will also broadcast the Matildas’ games ad-free, live and on-demand in Australia.
You can find out which venues are streaming the Matildas live here, including dedicated screening sites in Sydney and Melbourne.
How are the Matildas ranked in the world?
The Matildas are currently ranked 12th in the world, according to the most recent FIFA Women’s World Ranking. Spain tops the charts, followed by France in second place and England in third.
In its preliminary rounds, Australia will play Germany, who is ranked fourth; the USA, who is ranked fifth; and Zambia, who is ranked 64th.
Have the Matildas ever won an Olympic medal before?
The Matildas are yet to win an Olympic medal. The closest call came at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where they lost to the USA in the bronze medal match.
What are the odds of the Matildas winning gold at the Olympics?
The Matildas are currently ranked in joint fifth place to win gold at the 2024 Olympics, according to TAB. World Cup champions, Spain and the USA, are tied as the fan favourites to win gold, followed by France and Germany.
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