Newy 87.8 FM – The CommBank Matildas' 1–0 defeat to Mexico at a sold-out McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday 6 June 2026 marked Australia's first loss to Mexico since 2004, according to Football Australia.
The international friendly was decided in injury time, with Mexican substitute Diana Ordóñez scoring the winner in the 92nd minute.
Football Australia described the Newcastle fixture as sold out. Reports from ABC News and the Newcastle Herald put the attendance at 23,167.
Ellie Carpenter captained the side on her 100th international appearance, becoming the 18th Matilda to reach 100 caps. Football Australia noted the milestone came in her home state of New South Wales.
Newcastle-born midfielder Emily van Egmond, a former Newcastle Jets player, started in midfield in her home city. The starting XI also included Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord and Mackenzie Arnold, under head coach Joe Montemurro.
Van Egmond fronted the pre-match press conference alongside Montemurro ahead of the fixture.
The Newcastle match was the first of a two-game series against Mexico. Australia won the second match 3–1 at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta on Tuesday 9 June, levelling the series.
Both matches were broadcast on Channel 10 and Paramount+. Tickets for the Newcastle fixture had been priced from $20 for adults and $50 for families through Ticketmaster.
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