Matildas stars return to squad for friendlies as Joe Montemurro builds to 2027 World Cup

• Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord named as Mary Fowler rests after Asian Cup

• Australia to play 153rd-ranked Malawi followed by India or Kenya

Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has opted for consistency in building towards the 2027 Women’s World Cup, as he named a 22-player squad for a pair of international friendlies in Kenya later this month.

Sam Kerr will lead the squad as captain with stalwarts Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley, Hayley Raso, Alanna Kennedy and Mackenzie Arnold also selected in the team for Australia’s first women’s Fifa Series campaign.