New Matildas Coach Montemurro Names 33-Player Squad for Slovenia, Panama Series

Joe Montemurro, the new Matildas coach, has named a 33-player squad blending experienced players and rising talents for upcoming matches against Slovenia and Panama as part of preparations for the 2026 Asian Cup. Several key players, including captain Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Katrina Gorry, and Sam Kerr, are absent due to personal leave or injury, allowing Montemurro to experiment and identify new talent. The squad includes 14 players from the A-League Women, with six uncapped players making their senior debut, such as Grace Kuilamu and Adriana Taranto. Montemurro emphasizes this period as an opportunity to build relationships, establish the team's playing style, and enhance the high-performance environment. The matches in Western Australia serve as a foundation for the Matildas' future, with a focus on broadening the player pool and developing the team ahead of major international competitions. Montemurro, who has experience coaching at Arsenal, Juventus, and Lyon, aims to balance experience with potential in his squad selection.