The 25-year-old, who also captains W-League side Perth Glory, has made 72 appearances for the Matildas since her international debut in 2009, and has represented Australia at the 2011 and 2015 World Cups.

"It is a tremendous honour to have been recognised by Ante [Milicic] and the staff as captain of the Matildas," Kerr said.

"Together with Steph and the team we are committed to excelling at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, and there will be no bigger honour than to wear the armband in France."

Melbourne City skipper, Steph Catley, is the new vice-captain.

Milicic believes Kerr is "more than ready" to take on the leadership for the national team.

"Sam [Kerr] and Steph [Catley] have impressed me greatly," Milicic said.

"We had four great training sessions and several team and individual meetings while we were in Brisbane, and to me, their qualities as leaders of this group stood out.

"From the very first meeting, which Sam sat in the front row. You know and again, that's Mile Jedinak, that's Tim Cahill. Front row, first meeting, eyes on me."

While Kerr admits she's not the most vocal leader, she intends to continue to lead by example with her actions on the field.

"I'm not going to start making speeches when I haven't made speeches before," she said.

"Everyone has been really supportive, it's an honour and I'm not going to give it up for anything. I'm really excited about it."

Catley, also 25, has made 69 appearances for the Matildas since her debut in 2012, and played in all of Australia's games at the 2015 Women's World Cup.

The pair will lead the team for the first time in the inaugural Cup of Nations, when the Matildas face New Zealand at Leichhardt Oval on Thursday evening.