Celebrities react to the Matildas loss against England in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup semi final

The nation was behind the Matildas as they took on the Lionesses at Stadium Australia on Wednesday night.

And that included celebrities, who rushed to social media to praise the Australian team after their gallant loss to England in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final.

Among the crowd of 75,784 was Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai.

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The activist, 26, was cheering on the Lionesses from the stands with her husband Asser Malik.

"An amazing semi-final match – and not just because I was rooting for the winning team," Yousafzai wrote in an Instagram post before congratulating both teams.

"Can't wait to root for England in the final," she added.

While the education activist was barracking for England, her husband was smiling proudly next to her in a green and gold Australia jersey, showing his support for the Tillies.

Australian football player Craig Foster posted a photo after running into Yousafzai at the game.

"Malala is a prominent and active supporter of the Afghan Women's National Team's bid for recognition by FIFA," he wrote on Facebook, sharing that the Change.org petition has gained over 130,000 signatures.

Today Extra co-host David Campbell and his wife, Lisa, were also in attendance and shared a post-game message to the squad: "Thank you Tillies."

"What an honour to see @thematildas play live," he wrote.

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"We need to thank these women who have changed the way we view and talk about sport in this country. A class act all the way."

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Campbell's co-host Sylvia Jeffreys echoed a similar sentiment, writing: "We love ya @matildas !! Thank you for changing the game."

TV personality and 9Honey columnist Shelly Horton told the team: "You have inspired a nation. Take a bow."

Rebel Wilson cheered on the Tillies at Stadium Australia and later shared her signature Pitch Perfect phrase to describe their campaign.

"The biggest congratulations to Matildas for absolutely crushing this World Cup!," she wrote in part.

Viewing figures for last week's game, when Australia won during the penalty shootout against France, was one of the biggest audience figures since Aussies stopped to watch Cathy Freeman win gold in the 400-metre final at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 ... and it looks like the athlete was among them.

"So incredibly proud of our girls!" Freeman shared after Wednesday's game.

"You gave it everything and inspired an entire nation! Hold your head up high and here's to the future!"

Olympian-turned-politician Zali Steggall reminded followers that the Matildas aren't done yet, with one more game to go to determine third place.

"Sport can be the most amazing highs and heartbreaking misses, that's why it's so enthralling," she tweeted.

"@matildas played hard, inspired the nation and made us all so proud! Let's all get behind them for Saturday!"

Comedian and TV personality Charlie Pickering said he "could not be more proud of what the #Matildas have done", labelling them "Australia's Team".

Meanwhile, UK TV presenter Holly Willoughby shared a message of admiration for England's win on social media.

"Utterly incredible… wow wee! Congratulations @lionesses," she captioned the post.

Prince William also jumped online to share a message of support as England make it to a FIFA World Cup final for the first time since the men's team won in 1966.

Ahead of the game, Australian celebrities showed off their support for the Matildas, wearing the green and gold - with some cheering on from inside Stadium Australia, while others from the comfort of their couch.

Comedian Magda Szubanski brought back her iconic sport-loving character Sharon Strzelecki, sharing a special video on social media to cheer on the Matildas before the game.

Dannii Minogue, who spent years living in the UK, left no doubt who she was cheering on with a range of football-themed cupcakes iced in green and yellow with "Go Matildas" written on top.

The star might also have been cheering even louder ahead of the game with her sister, Kylie Minogue, popping up on the British broadcast of the semi-final.

Rebecca Harding and Andy Lee watched the game at home with their dog also dressed up for the occasion.

"Yep… this whole household is @matildas ready!!" Lee wrote.

A Current Affair's Allison Langdon and Today Show's Brooke Boney cheered on the Matildas alongside a bunch of gal pals from inside Stadium Australia.

"Rip in girls!!!!!" Langdon captioned the post.

Olympic swimmer Emma McKeon shared a photo – decked out in a huge smile and her Matildas jersey – before heading into the stadium.

KISS FM radio personality Jackie O posed with a banner for the Aussie side with her female colleagues under a green and gold balloon archway.

"YEAH THE GIRLS!" she captioned the shot.