Giants Australia face Malawi in their opening match of the FIFA Series 2026 with kickoff slated for 1400EAT at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
Despite recently concluding a demanding AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign in March, the Matildas are looking to use this international window to build a cohesive identity ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Malawi arrive in Nairobi with a point to prove following their qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Their journey to Kenya has been marked by a focus on transition as head coach Lovemore Fazili looks to integrate local talent with European-based professionals in an effort to shed the underdog tag against top-tier global opposition.
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Head-to-Head
This match marks a historic first-ever meeting between Australia and Malawi with the two nations having never faced each other in any official or friendly capacity.
Team News
The Matildas face a significant shift in dynamics as several senior stars, including Ellie Carpenter, Mary Fowler, and Katrina Gorry have been rested following the Asian Cup.
However, the inclusion of Leticia McKenna for her first senior camp and the presence of Caitlin Foord and Sam Kerr provide a strong core for the side.
For Malawi, there will be without their two star players ,Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga for this clash.
In their absence, the Scorchers will look to Sabinah Thom, Rose Kabzere and Faith Chimzimu to lead the line.
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What the coaches said as Australia face Malawi
Australia – Joe Montemurro
In the prematch media briefing, Australia head coach Joe Montemurro said his team is determined to establish a long-term tactical standard starting with this series.
“It’s a real special moment for us. This is the first time the Matildas have been in an African nation for a tournament. We’ve set our standards now out of the Asian Cup and our standards now to build into next year’s World Cup. We want to see the combinations I’m looking for through the benchmark we’ve set,” he said.
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Malawi – Lovemore Fazili
On his part, Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili has described the tournament as a critical benchmark to measure his team against world-class opposition.
“We are not going there as underdogs. We are no longer underdogs because we managed to qualify for WAFCON finals so we are a big team.
What we are looking for from these games are positive performances. With the coming in of the professional players, honestly speaking, we are going to have better matches in Nairobi,” Fazili added.
Predicted Lineups
Australia: Mackenzie Arnold, Charlize Rule, Alanna Kennedy, Winonah Heatley, Courtney Nevin, Clare Wheeler, Emily Van Egmond, Amy Sayer, Alex Chidiac, Caitlin Foord, Sam Kerr.
Malawi: Mercy Sikelo, Ireen Khumalo, Chimwemwe Madise, Bernadetta Mkandawire, Olivia Phikani, Madyina Nguluwe, Faith Chimzimu, Leticia Chinyamula, Rose Kabzere, Sabinah Thom, Vanessa Chikupira.