Matildas lock in 18-player squad for Paris Olympics

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has locked in his 18-player squad for the Paris Olympics, naming four players for their Olympic debuts.

Gustavsson and his squad are coming off a 4th placing in Tokyo – the best result by an Australian football side at an Olympics – and then captivated the country last year at their home World Cup.

The Tillies’ Olympic campaign gets underway on July 25 when they take on Germany in Marseille, while the United States and Zambia also make up Group B.

Gustavsson has named Clare Hunt, Kaitlyn Torpey, Cortnee Vine and Clare Wheeler for their Olympic debuts, while eight Matildas will become three-time Olympians later this month. Caitlin Foord and Katrina Gorry have been selected despite their respective injuries and are expected to be fit, while Steph Catley will captain in Sam Kerr’s absence.

Gustavsson said in a statement: “This has been an incredibly challenging squad to select with so many quality players competing fiercely for limited spots.

“It has been a methodical process over the past couple of years to reach to this point, and each of the players selected bring unique and beneficial qualities to our team that will be vital for our Paris 2024 campaign.

“I would like to congratulate all the players selected and the teammates, coaches, family and friends that have brought them to this moment.  I know that this team will give everything for the coat of arms and will represent Australia to the best of their ability in the true Aussie way.”

The Matildas defeated China PR 2-0 in a friendly in Sydney in front of a record-breaking crowd of 76,798.

18-player Matildas squad for 2024 Olympics:
Mackenzie Arnold
Ellie Carpenter
Steph Catley (c)
Kyra Cooney-Cross
Caitlin Foord
Mary Fowler
Katrina Gorry
Michelle Heyman
Clare Hunt
Alanna Kennedy
Teagan Micah
Clare Polklinghorne
Hayley Raso
Kaitlyn Torpey
Emily van Egmond (vc)
Cortnee Vine
Clare Wheeler
Tameka Yallop