Australia are yet to appoint a new permanent head coach following Tony Gustavsson's exit in August last year.
With the women's Asian Cup less than 12 months away, time is ticking for the Matildas, who are currently led by interim boss Tom Sermanni.
Appointing a full-time manager remains a priority for the side, who find themselves in a challenging period.
The Sporting News compiles some of the contenders for the role.
MORE: When do the Matildas play next?
Who will be the next Matildas coach?
Joe Montemurro
Montemurro, widely considered the strongest candidate for the job, is set to be named the Matildas' next coach.
According to L'Equipe, he will depart French side Lyon at the end of the current season, despite having a contract with the European giants until 2027.
Once that exit is finalised, Football Australia will likely confirm a deal with Montemurro.
The Aussie coach also boasts previous experience at Arsenal and Juventus.
Montemurro, a serial trophy winner, spoke on the potential of taking the Matildas role in early April.
"Never rule out anything in football, mate," he said.
"You know football, it changes. It's still a long way away. I'm under contract and I need to respect that, and I am happy continuing this program at a great club."
Interim coach Sermanni has also supported the potential appointment of Montemurro, but says he'll back whoever Football Australia selects.
"Joe’s an outstanding coach," Sermanni said in early April.
'You just look at his CV and he’s an Aussie, so he’s got great credentials for the job, but whatever way the decision that the FA is going, that’s a decision that I’ll fully support.
"That’s somebody else’s decision to decide who’s going to replace me."
John Aloisi
Socceroos legend Aloisi was, at one point, "in the mix" for the Australia gig, according to 7News.
The 49-year-old is currently coaching A-League Men side Western United.
In his first season with the club, he guided them to their maiden championship.
He has also had stints with Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar – both men's sides.
Montemurro's Lyon departure makes him, and the following candidates, unlikely to earn the gig.
Ante Juric
Considered one of the top domestic women's football coaches, Juric has been with Sydney FC since 2017.
He also concurrently coaches Sydney United's men's side in the NPL.
His knowledge of the Australian football landscape and existing relationships with players would prove valuable.
Juric has notably guided the Sky Blues to three A-League Women championships, but oversaw a disappointing 2024/25 season.
Tanya Oxtoby
Oxtoby is another Australian coach plying her trade overseas.
The former player took on several assistant roles at home and abroad before landing the Northern Ireland head coach gig in 2023.
Her current deal expires at the end of 2026.
Across 12 games last year, Oxtoby led the relatively small nation to five wins, three draws and four losses.