The Matildas are due to face New Zealand in the tournament opener on February 28, which also features a double-header between South Korea and Argentina.

FFA decided after monitoring pitch conditions at Kogorah, which has been used for several Sydney FC matches this season, that the pitch would not be adequate to hold a high standard of football.

“We have been monitoring the quality of the pitch at Kogarah and unfortunately we are not satisfied that it will meet the standard expected for international football by Thursday,” FFA CEO David Gallop said.

“We have a responsibility to players and fans that they will be able to view high quality football.”

“We encourage fans of the Westfield Matildas across Sydney and beyond to get to Leichhardt Oval for the opening matchday of the Cup of Nations,”

The match kickoff time and date remain unchanged, but ticket holders will receive a full refund. Tickets to the contest at Leichardt will go on sale Monday, February 25: