The 2023 Women's World Cup semi-final gripped Australia in a way that few sporting events have achieved. On any level it was transformative, capturing the highest TV audience since records began. It was hard on the back of the Matildas' nail-biting quarter final, which ended in the longest penalty shootout in World Cup history. To chronicle the Matildas' euphoric World Cup rise, Fiona Crawford draws on interviews with players, administrators, sponsors and fans, skilfully unpicking questions of gender, human rights, race and women's sports. The Rise of the Matildas highlights the astonishing impact of one team's determination to leave the game in a better place.