Wales Women will return to action this autumn as they take on Australia in a high-profile friendly at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday 25 October (14:00 BST).

This marks the team’s first outing since their historic debut at a major tournament during Euro 2025.

The match signals the beginning of preparations for the 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, which will run from February to December 2026.

While Rhian Wilkinson’s side were unable to progress beyond the group stage in Switzerland earlier this summer, there was a significant silver lining—Jess Fishlock etched her name into the history books by scoring Wales’ first ever goal at a major tournament in their final match against France.

“Reaching our first major tournament was an incredible milestone,” said Wilkinson.

“Facing a team like Australia gives us the perfect opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come—and start building toward what comes next.”

The match will also provide fans an early glimpse at what the next generation of Welsh internationals might look like, with questions hanging over the future of 38-year-old Fishlock, who hinted at retirement following the Euros:

“I need to take a little seat and have a little think,” she said. “No decisions have been made.”

The friendly will be Wales’ first-ever meeting with the Matildas, who are currently ranked 15th in the world and boast some of the game’s biggest names—such as Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord, both regulars in the English Women’s Super League.

Australia impressed as hosts at the 2023 World Cup, finishing fourth, and will provide a strong test for a Welsh side looking to continue their upward trajectory on the world stage.

Wilkinson is calling on the Red Wall to pack out the stadium:

“Whether you’re a regular or a new fan, we want to see you at Cardiff City Stadium. It’s going to be a fantastic afternoon.”

Looking ahead, the draw for the European qualifying groups for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil is scheduled for 4 November 2025.

Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.

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