HBF Park in Perth is set to hold a number of FIFA Women’s World Cup matches in 2023 after Australia secured the joint hosting rights with New Zealand last night.
HBF Park in Perth is set to hold a number of FIFA Women’s World Cup matches in 2023 after Australia secured the joint hosting rights with New Zealand last night.
The 2023 women's edition will for the first time host 32 teams, with 64 matches to take place over five weeks.
It will also be a first for Australia, which has never hosted a senior FIFA tournament.
The Australia-New Zealand bid had proposed to use 13 stadiums across 12 cities, with Perth expected to host some matches.
Speaking at the stadium today, Premier Mark McGowan said hosting the World Cup would provide an opportunity to grow women’s football within the state.
“This is a historic achievement for football in Australia, and a terrific coup for Perth as we get set to host the world’s best over a series of matches in 2023,” Mr McGowan said.
The Australia-New Zealand bid beat out remaining competitor Colombia, after other bidders Brazil and Japan withdrew their submissions this month.
Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said the media exposure of a World Cup was “invaluable”, with last year’s tournament in France having broadcasted to an estimated one billion people.
“The national and international coverage of the competition will help promote our wonderful city as a premier sporting and travel destination,” Mr Papalia said.
“Securing a global spectacle of this kind demonstrates Perth and Western Australia’s ongoing development as vibrant, desirable travel destinations.
“The benefits from hosting the tournament will flow through to our tourism and hospitality industries and the wider economy, helping to create jobs.”
Also speaking at HBF Park today, Matildas footballer Sam Kerr said a home match would be “a dream come true” for the club.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone around the country for supporting this bid; it’s been a long time coming for us,” Ms Kerr said.
“We can’t wait to show the world not only how good we are at putting on sporting events, but to show the world our beautiful country, and hopefully the Matildas get a game here in Perth.”
FIFA had assessed the bidders’ venues, infrastructure and supporting facilities earlier this year, including WA’s recently announced $32.5 million soccer centre, which is expected to be completed in time for the tournament.
The State Football Centre, to be built in Queens Park, will include training facilities and two pitches, and also have the ability to host training camps for national and international soccer teams.