Joe Montemurro has named his first CommBank Matildas squad since his appointment, with 33 players selected for the June/July FIFA Women’s International Window in Western Australia.
This window signals a key moment as the team moves into the next phase of building foundations for an exciting international cycle, which includes the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ in Brazil, and the Los Angeles 2028™ Olympic Games.
With an expanded window for AFC nations allowing greater flexibility, the selections include a combination of experienced internationals and emerging players.
The four matches provide the opportunity to call up a wider group into the national team environment, with some players participating across all four matches and others involved in specific series based on their domestic season commitments, individual management and strategic planning.
“This is a really exciting moment, not just for me personally, but for the grounding work we can undertake in this window,” said Montemurro.
“I’m incredibly honoured to step into camp for the first time, and I’m looking forward to connecting with the players, the staff, and the wider football community.
“This window is about setting the tone. We’re laying the foundations for the next phase of our journey as we build relationships, create an understanding of our style of play, and enhance the high-performance environment that enables our players to thrive.”
CommBank Young Matildas forward Grace Kuilamu (Brisbane Roar FC) and Victorian midfielder Adriana Taranto (Western United FC) have both earned their first senior call-ups, while midfielder Jacynta Galabadaarachchi returns to the squad for the first time since June 2022.
Melbourne City FC Defender Alexia Apostolakis will join the squad for the latter two matches against Panama. Apostolakis’ first official call-up continues a breakout year for the young defender, following her debut A-League Women’s season, Rising Star recognition at the Melbourne City FC’s Player of the Year Awards, and recent selection in the Young Matildas squad for their June/July domestic camp.
Kuilamu and Taranto join five uncapped players who have been selected, while 16 players have fewer than 10 senior international appearances, highlighting the intention to expand the player pool and assess emerging talent.
Montemurro said the extended squad presents a unique and valuable chance to assess a wider group of players than a standard window would usually allow.
“We wanted to use this window not just to prepare for the matches, but to really explore the talent that’s coming through,” he said.
“It’s a rare opportunity to work with a broadened squad, give players their first or renewed taste of the environment, and assess where we are as a group. I can’t wait to get to work.”
Vice-captain Ellie Carpenter returns from personal leave, while Mackenzie Arnold, Hayley Raso and Sharn Freier make their comebacks from injury. The squad will also be without several senior players for this international window.
Captain Steph Catley, forward Caitlin Foord, and midfielder Katrina Gorry are on personal leave, while Tameka Yallop continues her rehabilitation. Cortnee Vine remains on extended leave, and recent debutant Kahli Johnson has been ruled out with a thigh injury.
The squad underscores how the domestic competition continues to serve as a vital pathway for emerging talent into the national team with 14 players having featured in the 2024/25 Ninja A-League Women’s season including 2024/25 Julie Dolan Medallist, Alex Chidiac.
Player participation across the Slovenia and Panama series has been tailored to individual performance plans, with some players named for specific series only.
“This group represents a balance of experience and potential, and we’ll use this window to connect, experiment, and move forward with clear intent,” Montemurro added.
“Slovenia and Panama have been strategically scheduled to give us the right mix of conditions and opposition as we begin this phase. With the blend of players in this extended squad, these fixtures allow us to explore tactical ideas, build cohesion, and gradually shape the way we want to play moving into the next cycle.”
With the support of the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA, the CommBank Matildas will take to the pitch for four matches across Perth and regional Bunbury. The action begins with two clashes against Slovenia at HBF Park on Thursday, 26 June (7.00pm WST) and Sunday, 29 June (6.00pm WST).
The squad will then head south to Bunbury to face Panama at Hands Oval on Saturday, 5 July (2.30pm WST), before returning to Perth for a final meeting with Panama at HBF Park on Tuesday, 8 July (6.00pm WST). All matches will be broadcast live.
