Joe Montemurro appointed Matildas head coach after 278 days

After a 278-day search, Football Australia has appointed Joe Montemurro as the new head coach of the Matildas, ending a prolonged period of uncertainty following Tony Gustavsson’s exit in August 2024. Montemurro, a Melbourne native with a decorated coaching career in Europe, is leaving Olympique Lyonnais Féminin to return home. His previous successes include winning league titles with Arsenal and Juventus, and guiding teams deep into European competitions. The decision follows a period of player dissatisfaction and disappointing results under Gustavsson, culminating in Australia’s early exit from the 2024 Paris Olympics. Montemurro will take over from interim coach Tom Sermanni, with expectations high ahead of the 2026 Asian Cup. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to restore direction and ambition to the national side.