Ellie Carpenter, a Cowra native, has enjoyed a rapid rise through the Australian women's football ranks and since making her debut for the Matildas in 2016, she's played 32 team games and cemented a regular spot in the backline for the nation's senior side.

She's expected to start against Italy for Australia's first match of the campaign on Sunday evening.

It's the 19-year-old's first World Cup campaign.

This year's tournament is in France and features 24 teams, and Australian, alongside the hosts, the United States, Germany and England are amongst the favourites to take on the trophy.

After training on the outskirts of Eindhoven in the Netherlands on Wednesday morning, Carpenter and her Matildas teammates travelled by bus three hours south to the squad's first match city, Valenciennes in northern France, in the afternoon.

Upon arrival in Valenciennes, players and staff were welcomed by members of FIFA's Local Organising Committee as well as local government officials.

The group also received gifts from children and witnessed a display from a French orchestra.

Striker Hayley Raso said the welcome struck a chord with the Matildas.

"I think with all of the special welcome it is exciting and it kind of makes you feel that you are here and you are ready to go," Raso said.

"Now that we are here we do focus on Italy and we all can't wait to get out there and play.

"Our game is coming up and we need to get back on the training pitch and preparing."

Kick-off between Australia and Italy is at 9pm (1pm local time), from the Stade du Hainaut in Valenciennes.