Today the NSW Government, FIFA and Football Australia marked one year until the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 kicks off.
NSW Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor joined FIFA’s Secretary General Fatma Samoura, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 CEO Dave Beeche, FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia COO Australia Jane Fernandez and CommBank Matilda Ellie Carpenter to mark the milestone and launch the FIFA Women’s World Cup UNITY Pitch.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said it’s an honour for NSW to host the biggest event in women’s sport.
“Sydney has a celebrated history of hosting major international sporting events and we look forward to welcoming 16,000 visitors to our global city, to cheer on their teams at the rebuilt Sydney Football Stadium and the final at Stadium Australia,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup forms a part of the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative which attracts the world’s largest and most prestigious sporting events to the NSW.
“We want to turbocharge our visitor economy, grow sports participation and create unforgettable experiences for sports fans across the globe.”
Mrs Taylor said hosting the first FIFA Women’s World Cup in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time was a huge deal and gave female footballers the opportunity to see the very best in their sport in the flesh.
“I like the expression – if you can see it then you can be it; and all our footballers from juniors right up to seniors have the opportunity to see the best nations battle for football supremacy right here, in our own backyard,” Mrs Taylor said.
“For the first time the tournament will expand to include 32 proud footballing nations, which is fantastic, and the eyes of the footballing world will be firmly focused on Sydney for a month as we host 11 games including Australia’s opening match and the Final.
“This is a game changer for football in NSW. Our mighty Matildas along with players from around the globe will no doubt inspire the next generation of Australian superstars.
“We can’t wait to welcome fans and visitors to Sydney to celebrate the passion, joy and footballing prowess of the largest women’s tournament on the planet.”
The vibrant UNITY Pitch will tour all host cities prior to 20 July 2023.
Tickets for the FIFA Women’s World Cup will go on sale from 6 October at www.fifa.com/beyondgreatness with tickets starting from $20 for adults and $10 for children. The FIFA Women’s World Cup Official Draw takes place on 22 October 2022.
