Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, has welcomed the release of the FIFA Women’s World Cup (FWWC) 2023 match schedule saying it puts our two sport-loving nations in the spotlight.
“With the opening match of the tournament in New Zealand, and the final in Sydney, the schedule demonstrates the strength in our trans-Tasman partnership,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Australia and New Zealand boast a passionate fan base, excellent hospitality, robust security arrangements and exciting tourism opportunities.
“The FWWC will showcase the best of both nations, while bringing considerable economic benefits to help as we recover from the pandemic.”
The Matildas will kick-off the first match on Australian soil with a showdown at Sydney Football Stadium on 20 July.
Australia will host six group-stage fixtures at the Sydney Football Stadium, with Perth and Brisbane both hosting five and a further four each taking place in Melbourne and Adelaide.
Sydney will also be the venue for the final, on 20 August 2023 at Stadium Australia.
The matches being played in Australia are:
- Brisbane – Brisbane Stadium, 8 games
- Sydney – Stadium Australia and Sydney Football Stadium, 11 games
- Melbourne – Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, 6 games
- Adelaide – Hindmarsh Stadium, 5 games
- Perth – Perth Rectangular Stadium, 5 games
The FWWC 2023 will be the largest yet, with 32 teams playing. It is also the first to be hosted across two nations.
“The Australian Government is proud to support this landmark tournament, which will be one of the largest sporting events held here since the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Minister Colbeck said.
“It will shine the spotlight on Australia and bring in hundreds of millions of dollars through international visitors and viewers.”
“It will also continue the positive increase in interest in women’s sport and inspire many young females to pull on the boots.”
The Australian Government provided $5 million to Football Australia for the successful joint bid “As One” with New Zealand Football and committed significant support towards delivery of the event.
The Australian Government has also committed $15 million to build the home of the Matildas in Victoria and $12 million to support both a high-performance program for the Matildas and participation by women and girls in community football.
“Football is the game that connects Australia to the world,” Minister Colbeck said.
“It’s accessible and inclusive, played by two million participants in Australia, from 200 different cultures and spread out over 2400 community clubs.”