WA news LIVE: Matildas returning to WA​on May 11, 2025 at 11:30 pm

The Australian women’s soccer team, the Matildas, will be returning to Western Australia in June and July to play four international matches.

Three of the ‘friendly’ games will be played in Perth, with the fourth to be played in Bunbury, marking the first-ever Matildas fixture to be played in regional WA.

The two visiting international teams will be Slovenia and Panama, with tickets going on sale from tomorrow.

It’s unclear if captain Sam Kerr will play in the matches as the Perth local continues to recover from an ACL injury, while also welcoming her first child.

Tourism minister Reece Whitby said the matches will mark the first time the Matildas have played in Perth since the Olympic Qualifiers in October 2023.

“Western Australians love the Matildas, and it’s fantastic to welcome them back to Perth for
another international series, building on the momentum of 2023’s unforgettable Olympic
qualifiers and FIFA Women’s World Cup,” he said.

“These matches are not only exciting for local fans, but they’ll also drive WA residents and out-
of-state visitors into Perth and the South West, supporting tourism and hospitality businesses
across the State during the winter period.”

Here’s what’s making national and international headlines today:

• Tim Wilson is considering a shock tilt at leading the Liberal Party as the Coalition braces for a cut-throat battle to lead the Nationals in a vote that will act as a proxy on Australia’s climate target and threatens to reshape the relationship between the two parties.
• Overseas, Pope Leo XIV issued a powerful call for peace during his first Sunday address as pontiff, urging world leaders to end violence and echoing the words of his predecessor as he declared: “No more war.”

• The Trump administration intends to accept a Boeing 747-8 – valued at more than $US400 million ($620 million) and described as “a flying palace” – from the Qatari royal family that would then be outfitted to serve as Air Force One.