Samantha Lewis

Amid Morocco's celebrations of their first World Cup win, defender Nouhaila Benzina fell to the grass and cried. By wearing a hijab, she had created history and become a role model for millions, writes Samantha Lewis.

From hand-me-down Socceroos jerseys to period-proof shorts, the evolution of the Matildas' kits reflects the broader growth of women's football.

Australia failed to take their chances against Nigeria. With everything now on the line, will they risk it all against Canada?

It was described as both "empowering" and "shocking" and was used to raise the profile of the Matildas — but a nude calendar in 1999 saw the team get far more than they bargained for.

The Matildas dominated Nigeria in almost every category, but what does it matter when they lost the only one that counts, writes Sam Lewis.

Nigeria has put the Matildas on the ropes in the Women's World Cup after defeating Australia 3-2. See how it unfolded. 

In 1999, just 90 seconds into her first Women's World Cup start, Alicia Ferguson-Cook made history — but for all the wrong reasons.

Four years ago, a record 13-0 scoreline sparked concerns around an expanded tournament. But the group stage so far has proved the doubters wrong.

Angela Iannotta scored Australia's first ever World Cup goal at the 1995 Women's World Cup in Sweden — but there's hardly any proof it happened at all.

As one of the best players in the world, Sam Kerr will be crucial for the Matildas to go all the way at the Women's World Cup. And that's the problem, writes Samantha Lewis.

Australia's stand-in captain didn't expect to take a penalty, but Steph Catley's maturity reflects a team who navigated their unexpected World Cup opener.

Women's football started with sell-out crowds in the 1920s, only to be banned a year later. Through five decades of darkness, football's pioneers carried the torch for future generations.

Australia's group-stage opponents are all dealing with issues on and off the field. Can the Matildas' steady ship see them through to the knockouts?

There are many versions of where the 'Matildas' name comes from — but all of them tell a bigger story about the nation that the team now proudly represents.

From prize money to collective bargaining to a full-time A-League Women, the Matildas have used their platform to advocate for the entire women's game.

More than 700 of the world's best football players will take to stadium pitches all over Australia when FIFA 2023 kicks off this week. The ABC has crunched the data — these are the stars and breakthrough talents you should be looking out for.

Two-and-a-half years after Tony Gustavsson was hired, has his bigger picture for the Matildas finally come into view?

Mary Fowler scores the match-winner as the Matildas beat France 1-0 in their final hit-out less than a week before their first World Cup clash with Ireland, who cannot finish their last pre-tournament friendly.

In 1988, FIFA organised the first ever Women's Invitational Tournament to test-run a Women's World Cup. 35 years on, the Matildas who were there reflect on how far the game has come.

From the deserts of Western Australia to a World Cup on home soil, Lydia Williams has had an incredible football journey — and her impact on the women's game is immense.

St George Budapest's women's team was the first to represent Australia at an international tournament. 

Nigeria head coach Randy Waldrum could be sacked two weeks out from the tournament after publicly criticising the federation.

After missing the 2019 Women's World Cup through injury, Matildas veteran Kyah Simon is doing everything it takes to make 2023 count.

Four years ago, a single hamstring strain sent the Matildas into a tailspin. Now, just a few weeks out from the team's home Women's World Cup, the squad's previous lack of depth appears to have been addressed, writes Samantha Lewis.

Veteran striker Kyah Simon has capped a remarkable comeback and earned selection in the final 23-player squad for this month's Women's World Cup.