The Matildas have sold out their 12th-straight home match after more than 50,000 tickets were snapped up for the Olympics qualifier in Melbourne against Uzbekistan in February. All tickets for the Marvel Stadium clash were sold within 24 hours of sales opening for the team’s return to Melbourne for the first time since they beat Canada at AAMI Park at the World Cup in July. Since then, the team went on the finish fourth at the tournament, setting a new television ratings record for the semi-final against England during a campaign which captivated the nation. Chief executive of Football Australia, James Johnson, said the Matildas’ journey in 2023 was “nothing short of extraordinary”. “It is clear that the team resonates deeply with fans across Australia and beyond and that is demonstrated in the way the nation turns out for these matches in stadia and on television and recognised as Australia’s most favoured national team.” The run of sell-outs stretches back to the so-called “send off” friendly against France prior to the start of the World Cup in July, also held at the 53,000-capacity Marvel Stadium. This year more than 600,000 Matildas tickets have been sold. The return to Marvel Stadium is significant given the stadium wasn’t able to be used for the World Cup as it fell during the season of AFL, which owns the ground. That meant Melbourne missed out on the marquee matches because the city’s rectangular stadium, the 30,000-seat AAMI Park, was not of a sufficient size. Six matches were held at the venue, but just one – the group stage defeat to Nigeria – involved Australia. Brisbane and Sydney hosted five matches from the quarter-finals onward. Victorian sport minister, Steve Dimopoulos, said he couldn’t wait to see a full Marvel Stadium in February. “We’re proud to bring the Matildas to Melbourne again so the team can continue to inspire young players, delight fans, and bring thousands of visitors to our city.” The match against the 47th-ranked Uzbekistan is part of a two-leg play-off to qualify for the Paris Olympics in July. The Matildas – who finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics – are heavily favoured, despite two recent losses to Canada. They are currently ranked 12th in the world. Captain Sam Kerr missed the matches against Canada due to a foot injury, but has returned to the pitch for Chelsea. The 30-year-old scored the opener in the Champions League match against Hacken early on Thursday morning.