ParaMatildas become first Australian side to win football World Cup

Australia's ParaMatildas have become the first national football side to become world champions, with victory in the final of the IFCPF Women's World Cup.

The ParaMatildas, the world number one ranked side in women's CP Football, came from two goals down to defeat the United States 6-2.

ParaMatildas aiming for World Cup glory Photo shows 10 women, eight in green and gold soccer uniforms and two in purple goalkeeping uniforms pose for a team photo on white backdrop No Australian team has ever won a round ball World Cup, but the ParaMatildas enter this month's Cerebral Palsy World Cup in Spain as the world's highest ranked side.

The win avenges the ParaMatildas' defeat in the final of the 2022 World Cup decider.

CP Football is for athletes with cerebral palsy, or an acquired brain injury.

The United States had two goals in the opening six minutes in Salou, Spain, giving the Australians plenty of work to do.

Goalkeeper and captain Katelyn Smith then led from the front.

She remained stoic in front of goal, denying the US, while also scoring a hat-trick herself.

Smith scored two of her goals from inside her own penalty area, while also converting a penalty in the win.

Australia: 6 — Katelyn Smith (17', 30', 33'), Georgia Beikoff (38', 49'), Annmarie de Uriarte (46')

United States: 2 — Cassidy Leake (4'), Kaia Spencer (6')

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