This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

The Matildas will open their Tournament of Nations defence against arch-rivals Brazil on 26 July in Kansas City.



US Soccer has confirmed the match dates, locations and kick-off times for the second instalment of the tournament that shot Australia’s women to prominence in its inaugural year.



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In a bid to retain their breakout crown, Sam Kerr and the rest of Alen Stajcic’s side will face Brazil at Children’s Mercy Park before travelling to Connecticut to play the United States at Pratt & Whitney Stadium on 29 July.

They’ll wrap up their campaign against Asian Cup final conquerors Japan at Toyota Park in Illinois on 2 August.



Last year the Matildas won all three fixtures against the same three nations, including a first victory over world No 1 America, to lift the trophy and gain international recognition.



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They followed the feat with two convincing home friendly wins against Brazil to well and truly draw a line under their heartbreaking Rio Olympics quarter-final penalty shootout loss.



The tournament offers a valuable opportunity for the World Cup-bound Matildas to play against three teams who have qualified for next year’s showpiece in France.



It will follow the same format as 2017, where the winner has the most points and equal finishers are split firstly by goal difference, then most goals scored, head-to-head results and Fifa ranking.