From World Cup Dreams to National Selection
A Wombarra teenager's dream has become reality, with 17-year-old Sofia Fante earning selection in the Young Matildas squad just two years after being inspired by the Matildas' historic World Cup performance on home soil.
The Path to Professional Football
The Sydney FC goalkeeper, who recently completed her HSC studies, will represent Australia in the under-20 team against Korea Republic in a two-match international friendly series at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. The first match kicks off this Friday, with the second game scheduled for Sunday, November 30.
Fante expressed her excitement about progressing from the under-17 national team to the under-20 level. "This cycle, this age group, the 2008-born players have two more years. It's exciting," she said. "The camp has been such a good experience. I can't wait for the games."
Preparing for International Competition
The young goalkeeper understands the challenge ahead, having previously faced South Korean teams at the under-17 level. "It's really good exposure just to see how they play their football and their style, which for South Korea is very technical," Fante explained. "They're really structured and really good on the ball, so definitely good competition for us and a good test for us, 100 percent."
This international window serves as crucial preparation for the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026, with Fante determined to secure her place in the squad for next year's tournament.
With her HSC now behind her, the Illawarra native is fully focused on her football career. "I really just want to do my best in the A-League. I'm really grateful for the opportunity that I've gotten to be able to be a part of the Sydney FC squad," she said. "We've obviously got a big year coming up in 2026. I just want to be a member of that squad, and hopefully just take whatever opportunities present themselves."
Fante's journey serves as inspiration for young footballers across the Illawarra region, demonstrating how the Matildas' World Cup success continues to inspire the next generation of Australian football talent.
