Matildas start ToN defence against Brazil

The Matildas will open their Tournament of Nations defence against arch-rivals Brazil on July 26 in Kansas City.

US Soccer has confirmed the match dates, locations and kick-off times for the second instalment of the tournament that shot Australia's women to prominence in its inaugural year.

In a bid to retain their breakout crown, Sam Kerr and the rest of Alen Stajcic's side will face Brazil at Children's Mercy Park before travelling to Connecticut to play the United States at Pratt & Whitney Stadium on July 29.

They'll wrap up their campaign against Asian Cup final conquerors Japan at Toyota Park in Illinois on August 2.

Last year the Matildas won all three fixtures against the same three nations, including a first victory over world No.1 America, to lift the trophy and gain international recognition.

They followed the feat with two convincing home friendly wins against Brazil to well and truly draw a line under their heartbreaking Rio Olympics quarter-final penalty shootout loss.

The tournament offers a valuable opportunity for the World Cup-bound Matildas to play against three teams who have qualified for next year's showpiece in France.

It will follow the same format as 2017, where the winner has the most points and equal finishers are split firstly by goal difference, then most goals scored, head-to-head results and FIFA ranking.

TOURNAMENT OF NATIONS FIXTURES:

BRAZIL V MATILDAS

Date: July 26 (local)

Venue: Children's Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kansas

Kick-off: 3.15pm local (6.15am AEST, Friday, July 27)

USA V MATILDAS

Date: July 29 (local)

Venue: Pratt & Whitney Stadium, East Hartford, Connecticut

Kick-off: 7pm local (9am AEST, July 30)

MATILDAS V JAPAN

Date: August 2 (local)

Venue: Toyota Park, Bridgeview, Illinois

Kick-off: 4.45pm local (7.45am AEST, August 3)