Wales to face Australia in October Cardiff friendly

Angharad James captained Wales at Euro 2025 in group defeats against Netherlands, France and England

Wales women will play a friendly against Australia on Saturday 25 October (14:00 BST), their first match since making their major tournament debut at Euro 2025.

The game at Cardiff City Stadium will mark the beginning of preparations for 2027 World Cup qualifying which will take place from February to December 2026.

Rhian Wilkinson's side lost all three group games in Switzerland earlier this summer, but Jess Fishlock scored her country's first ever goal at a major tournament in the defeat by France.

"Making history by reaching a major tournament for the first time has been an incredible experience, and the match against Australia will be the perfect way to celebrate our history making players, but also to look ahead to the future," said Wilkinson.

"As we look to further develop ourselves against some of the top nations in the world, Australia are the perfect opponents for us.

"I hope the Red Wall, the regulars and new fans, will come out in their numbers for what will be a great occasion on a Saturday afternoon at the Cardiff City Stadium."

It remains unclear whether talismanic midfielder Fishlock, 38, will play on during qualification for the World Cup to be held in Brazil, saying after Wales' Euro exit last month: "I need to take a little seat and have a little think, but no decisions have been made."

Wales have not previously played Australia who finished fourth as hosts of the 2023 World Cup.

The Matildas are ranked 15th in the world and feature several big names including Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord who play in the WSL in England.

The autumn friendly will be live on BBC One Wales, BBC iPlayer, the BBC sport website and app, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru.

The draw for the European qualifying tournament for Brazil 2027 is scheduled to take place on 4 November 2025.