The U.S. women’s national team will conclude its 2021 schedule on the road against a familiar foe.
Vltako Andonovski’s side will face off with Australia in a pair of road friendlies on November 26 in Sydney and 30 in Newcastle respectively. It will be the first visit to Australia for the USWNT in 21 years and the final matches for the team in what has been a busy schedule.
“This trip and these games will be fantastic tests and learning opportunities,” said Andonovski. “Getting to go to one of the countries hosting the next Women’s World Cup and having to deal with the travel and facing one of the best teams in the world is a great way to end the year. We really appreciate that Football Australia and the Australian government came together to make this trip possible.”
The USWNT and Australia met twice this past summer in Kashima at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan. The teams played out a 0-0 draw in group stage play before eventually facing off in the Bronze Medal match, which the USWNT won 4-3. Megan Rapinoe and the now-retired Carli Lloyd each scored twice, helping the Americans claim their sixth all-time Olympic medal.
The USWNT hold a 27-1-4 all-time record vs. Australia, last winning 1-0 against the Matildas away from home in 2000.
November’s pair of matches will be the 33rd and 34th respective meetings between the two national teams. The USWNT will be able to enter Australia due to rising vaccination rates that have enabled authorities in New South Wales and Football Australia to put procedures in place to allow for the matches to be played.