Following the Matildas’ triumphant win over Canada in their final pool match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the NSW Government is getting behind the team in the lead up to their round of 16 match on Monday 7 August which will be played in Sydney at Stadium Australia.
Buildings will turn green and gold, and messages of support will be displayed across the transport network, with everyone encouraged to wear green and gold to show their support!
The Matildas have already made history with the biggest ever Australian winning margin in a World Cup match.
It is only fitting that the Sydney Opera House is illuminated next Monday from 6pm.
The Central Station Clock Tower will go gold and the lighting inside the Central Station Concourse will go green and gold in tribute.
A message of support will be amplified across screens on the transport network, in Metro and train stations, buses and bus stops, at light rail platforms and on ferry wharves, as well as across more than 100 Service NSW centres.
The NSW Government will also turn its social channels green and gold for the day.
In addition, everyone is urged to wear green and gold where they can, as we barrack for the women’s team to make the quarter-final round.
Next Monday’s match will also be screened at the FIFA Fan Festival at Tumbalong Park, in Darling Harbour, which is providing a lively and very popular destination for crowds to join in on the FIFA Women’s World Cup atmosphere.
The FIFA Fan Festival site shows every game for free on large screens, along with live performances and street food.
The Matildas qualification for the round of 16 comes with Sydney in the grip of Women’s World Cup fever.
The Sydney Football Stadium (SFS) has hosted 2 sell-out matches in a row while crowds have been growing at live fan sites.
As the mighty Matildas toppled Olympic champions Canada on Monday night in Melbourne, a crowd of 4000 fans watched from the Tumbalong Park live site in Darling Harbour.
A combined total of 80,853 fans attended the epic Colombia versus Germany game along with the England versus Denmark match at the SFS over the weekend – both full crowds.
Upcoming matches are expected to continue breaking World Cup viewing records across the world, with Sydney hosting games in all remaining stages right through to the final at Stadium Australia on Sunday 20 August.
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is firmly on track to be the biggest ever, with 1.65 million tickets across the tournament’s 64 games sold.
At 550,800, Sydney has already sold more tickets than any other host city for the tournament ever.
Outside the stadiums, the atmosphere is building towards the knockout rounds. More than 118,000 people have so far attended the free FIFA Fan Festival site at Darling Harbour.
Live sites are being hosted in many local government areas to ensure fans across NSW get their taste of World Cup fever.
Find out more information about everything taking place at the FIFA Fan Festival website.
For those unable to visit the FIFA Fan Festival, councils across Sydney and NSW will also be screening FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 games at live sites.
Fans are encouraged to use public transport to travel to the game and the live site. Visit transportnsw.info to plan your trip.
Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:
“We are so proud of the Matildas making the final 16.
“We are celebrating this achievement by turning Sydney green and gold next Monday.
“NSW is proud to be part of this World Cup and we are so proud of what the Matildas have achieved so far.
“Sydney has come alive and we are taking this to the next level.
“Let’s take the Matildas to the next round.”
Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:
“The atmosphere in Sydney is electric and rising by the day. This was a huge weekend in which every seat for both games in Sydney was taken followed by an incredible win by the Matildas in Melbourne which takes them on to the next round.
“This is a defining moment for the rise of women’s sport and we are proud Sydney is the main stage where it will play out, including hosting the Final.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled for the Matildas who will now look ahead to their next game in Sydney.”
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“The Matildas kicked off their campaign in Sydney in front of a record crowd of 75,000 people, and we can’t wait to see another packed house at Stadium Australia.
“NSW is undoubtedly the sports capital of Australia, and the entire state will be behind the Matildas as they go for glory.
“I encourage everyone to don the green and gold, get to the game or a community fan site, to witness this once in a lifetime opportunity.”
NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
“The Matildas have made Australia proud and we’re all getting behind the team for their match next Monday.
“It’s truly an exciting time for women’s sport. The Matildas are superb athletes and great role models that women and girls can aspire to.”
Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas said:
“It’s been fantastic to see so much support for the Matildas from across the NSW community.
“We are incredibly proud of their achievements and of the role our NSW representatives have played in getting the team this far.
“We are excited to see the state turn green and gold on Monday and look forward to the ongoing implementation of the NSW Football Legacy Program to ensure we can cater for the next generation of female football stars.”
