Wales to play Australia in first match since making their tournament debut at Euro 2025 | OneFootball

Rhian Wilkinson’s Wales squad will play Australia in a friendly in October (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Wales will return to the pitch this autumn in a high-profile friendly against Australia in Cardiff on Saturday, October 25th.

The game, which kicks off at 2pm at Cardiff City Stadium, will be their first since their landmark appearance at Women’s Euro 2025.

Rhian Wilkinson’s side made history by qualifying for a major tournament for the very first time.

Despite three group-stage defeats in Switzerland, the experience was a milestone moment for the team and the nation.

One of the standout memories came courtesy of Jess Fishlock, who netted Wales’ first-ever goal at a major international tournament during their game with France.

Wales also suffered defeats to the Netherlands and England – the latter of which won the tournament.

The Lionesses are also second-favourites with betting sites to win the tournament again at Euro 2029.

Wales vs Australia serves as warm-up game for World Cup qualifying

With the Euros behind them, Wales are looking ahead to the next big challenge – qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted in Brazil.

The European qualifying campaign is scheduled to run from February to December 2026, with the official draw set to take place on November 4th, 2025.

Head coach Wilkinson is keen to use the Australia fixture for Wales in Cardiff as both a celebration and a key step in building for the future.

“Making history by reaching a major tournament for the first time has been an incredible experience,” she said.

“This match is the perfect way to celebrate our history-making players and look ahead.

“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.”

This will be the first time Wales have faced Australia at senior level. The Matildas bring with them strong World Cup pedigree, having reached the semi-finals as hosts in 2023.

Australia are 15th in the world in the latest FIFA rankings, and their squad boasts familiar names such as Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord, who both star in England’s Women’s Super League.

Uncertain future for Wales star Jess Fishlock

One question still lingering in the air for Wales ahead of their October friendly with Australia, is whether midfielder Jess Fishlock will continue her international journey through the next qualification cycle.

The 38-year-old admitted after Wales’ Euro exit that she needed time to reflect before deciding whether to carry on.

“I need to take a little seat and have a little think, but no decisions have been made,” she said last month.

Will Wales vs Australia be on TV?

The friendly between Wales and Australia will be broadcast live on BBC One Wales, with coverage also available on iPlayer and BBC Radio Wales.

The match will be broadcast live on BBC One Wales, with coverage also available via BBC iPlayer and BBC Radio Wales.