Published: 01 April 2021
Perth has been officially selected as a host city for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, after the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) this morning announced the successful locations for the Australia and New Zealand tournament.
The host city confirmation from football's governing body will allow WA to push ahead with planning for the prestigious tournament - which is expected to deliver millions of dollars of economic and job-creating benefits to the State.
Last year the State Government, through Tourism WA, strongly supported the Australia-New Zealand bid, with the two countries jointly awarded the tournament in June 2020.
Thirty-two international teams will compete in the 2023 tournament, which will create lasting positive impacts for women's sport in WA.
Training and matches will be held at Perth's Rectangular Stadium, putting our city in the spotlight as a premier tourism destination for thousands of travelling sport fans, as well as those watching around the globe.
The number of games Perth will host, and scheduling details, are expected to be confirmed in the coming months.
According to FIFA, more than a billion viewers tuned into coverage of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Football Australia Chairman Chris Nikou said the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 would be the biggest sporting event on Australian soil since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
“Today’s announcement of the host cities and match venues, including Perth Rectangular Stadium, for the tournament is a major milestone in the build-up to the next FIFA Women’s World Cup™ - a tournament that will unite nations, inspire generations, and provide our diverse and multicultural game with the perfect platform to grow over the coming years,” he said.
Football Australia Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson said the announcement was a significant step towards the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ - first-ever 32-nation Women’s World Cup.
“An impressive 2.8 million Australian viewers watched the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019™ in France, but in 2023 that number will soar as Australia welcomes the world and unites behind the Matildas on home soil," he said.
“The tournament will be a festival of football right across Australia. Football Australia is committed to playing an integral part in bringing the tournament to life, and delivering the best-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in partnership with FIFA and our counterparts in New Zealand.”