The United States women's national team will head to Australia to face the Matildas for two friendlies in 2021. The two teams last met during the Tokyo Games this summer, competing in group play and the bronze medal match, where the U.S. earned the medal in a 4-3 victory over the Matildas. The matches are happening in cooperation with Football Australia, the U.S. Soccer return to play protocols and guidelines, and the Australia government's COVID-19 travel protocols.

The back to back friendlies will serve as the final pair of matches for the USWNT to close out the calendar year, and the games will mark the first trip to Australia for the USWNT in 21 years. The two matches also mark the first trip for the USWNT to Australia since the country was named co-host of the 2023 FIFA women's World Cup with New Zealand.

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Here's how to watch and what to know about the games:

Viewing info

Friday, November 26

  • USA vs. Australia, 11:00 p.m. ET,  Stadium Australia -- Sydney, Australia (FS2)

Tuesday, November 30

  • USA vs. Australia, 4:05 a.m. ET,  McDonald Jones Stadium -- Newcastle, Australia (ESPN)

Storylines

USWNT: Head coach Vlatko Andonovski named a 22 player roster ahead of the teams journey down under. The training camp features 10 members of the Tokyo Olympic roster and 12 players with 10 caps or less -- including five uncapped players. Andonovski recently added NJ/NJ Gotham FC's Imani Dorsey to the defenders on the roster. Andonovski has said that the games will serve as a high level evaluation of the next generation of players, and give them an opportunity to show whether or not they can compete in high pressure situations. Expect several young players to get different looks against Australia during this window, including Washington Spirt's NWSL winning midfielder Andi Sullivan.

Australia: The Matildas will serve as hosts for the two friendlies this international window, and have several players on their roster with familiar ties to the U.S. after some key figures play previously in the National Women's Soccer League. The team is also led by head coach Tony Gustavsson, who was the assistant coach for the USA under Pia Sundhage in 2012 and under Jill Ellis from 2014-2019, helping the USA win the Olympic gold medal in London and Women's World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019. Chelsea FC's Sam Kerr is the only player in NWSL history to win three consecutive golden boot awards from 2017 to 2019.