Tahlia Blanshard, Lainee Harrison and Georgia Beikoff are preparing for their third IFCPF World Cup but this time the Northern NSW Football athletes will arrive as reigning world champions.
The ParaMatildas made history at the 2024 IFCPF Women’s World Cup, becoming the first Australian football team to win a World Cup when they defeated the USA 6-2 in the final, with Beikoff scoring twice.
The triumph was even sweeter after Australia fell short against the USA in the 2022 final. Now with a world title to defend, the ParaMatildas are preparing to return to the international stage with a target on their backs.
Blanshard, Harrison and Beikoff have been part of the ParaMatildas since the team was formed in 2022, helping create opportunities for women and girls with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury and symptoms of stroke to represent their country.
For Blanshard, the 2022 World Cup was a learning experience that taught her to believe in herself, something she will carry into the 2026 tournament.
"When I arrived at the 2022 World Cup, I had no idea what to expect. I had only been playing football for a few years and our team had never played a game together before," Blanshard said.
"I spent that whole tournament drowning in imposter syndrome, feeling like I wasn’t deserving of being there. But I’ll never forget the feeling when I was on the field and had the realisation of 'we can actually do this'.
"I think the biggest thing I learnt was to actually be confident and believe that I am capable of great things and I think this is something really important to bring with me to this 2026 World Cup."
While the ParaMatildas entered the 2022 tournament as underdogs, Beikoff knows defending their title will bring a different challenge.
"We were definitely the underdogs in 2022 but now we know we have a target on our backs," Beikoff said.
"It is a completely different mindset going into this World Cup but it’s good pressure that I know will drive us forward. This pressure is exactly what we’ve hoped for because we know it’s so good for the game and we’re so keen to show what para football is all about.
"As the game grows, the competition grows with it."
Beikoff believes retaining the title will require confidence, discipline and trust across the team.
"With the target on our backs, it’s going to take lots of goals and a brick wall of defence," Beikoff said.
"We’re needing to be confident but not complacent. Every team is going to play their absolute best match against us, so it’s going to take relentless determination, tenacity and trust in each other.
"But the phrase 'back-to-back world champions' does sound pretty good and I know being in a position to say that does light a fire in our belly."
For Blanshard, the expectations also bring added pressure but she sees being the team to beat as a privilege rather than a burden.
"It definitely feels different coming in as reigning world champions. I feel a lot more nerves and honestly do feel I’m putting a lot more pressure on myself to perform but I’m still just excited for the opportunity," Blanshard said.
"To be one of five athletes going to their third IFCPF World Cup is so special and no matter how the results go, I can go knowing that is an achievement in itself.
"If anything, I feel it’s a privilege and honour to be the team to beat and it’s something to motivate us, not scare us."
Away from the ParaMatildas, Blanshard, Harrison and Beikoff have continued to develop their game with the University of Newcastle, supported by NNSWF and their local football community.
Beikoff believes the time spent together on and off the field has strengthened their connection and helped prepare them for the international stage.
"We’ve spent more time together as a group and we’ve grown. But I’m also proud to say that us northern NSW players have had amazing support from NNSWF and our local club University of Newcastle," Beikoff said.
"Not just our coaches but our teammates that we train and play with every week see and value us as footballers first, before the disability.
"This has elevated our game so much. Being immersed in an environment that genuinely empowers you elevates your game completely.
"I know I speak for Lainee and Tahlia when I say we are incredibly grateful for that culture and we’re determined to continue bringing that mindset onto the international stage."
For Blanshard, the 2024 World Cup triumph meant more than lifting a trophy. It also showed her the impact she could have on the next generation of athletes with cerebral palsy.
"Winning the 2024 World Cup quite literally meant the world to me. I can’t begin to put into words the emotions I felt at that final whistle and all those emotions I still feel to this day, especially when I see that medal hanging in my home," Blanshard said.
"Looking back, I’m just so proud of the whole team and I’m especially proud knowing the effort I put into that game.
"Meeting the next generation of kids with cerebral palsy and seeing their reaction to meeting me definitely brings it all back. Seeing their excitement to see my medal or jersey gets me so emotional.
"It reminds me that what I do isn’t just about doing it for me, I’m doing it for them. I’m building a pathway for them, I’m increasing awareness of cerebral palsy for them and I’m giving them what I never had, a role model with cerebral palsy."
As the 2026 IFCPF World Cup approaches, Blanshard is confident the team has the foundations to challenge for another title, with the hard work done and the focus now on bringing everything together.
"Nothing about this tournament will be easy but I believe that we have it in us to do what it takes to win," Blanshard said.
"We have to give 110 per cent, play with our hearts and believe in ourselves we can do it.
"We’ve done the work, we’ve put in the training, now it’s time to just put it all together and have fun while we do it.
"One of the most special parts about our team is how we are a family and I am so grateful to be entering this tournament with all of these other incredible athletes and friends."
Watch Blanshard, Harrison and Beikoff take on Republic of Ireland in their opening match at 3.30am on Saturday 17 October (AEDT) on the IFCPF YouTube Channel.