The Matildas' first three opponents at next year's Women's World Cup have been confirmed, with the co-hosting nation taking on Republic of Ireland, Nigeria, and Olympic gold medallists Canada in the group stage from July 20.
At the official draw conducted in Auckland on Saturday, which featured legends of the game such as the Matildas' first cap Julie Dolan, USA legend Carli Lloyd and Arsenal champion Ian Wright, 29 of the 32 nations discovered which nations they will be facing in 270 days' time, with fellow co-hosts New Zealand drawn against Norway, Switzerland, and the Philippines.
The final three teams to complete the 32 will take part in a play-off tournament in Auckland in February, with the winners of the three groups being slotted into pre-determined spots.
