- CommBank Matildas clash against the Philippines set to be one of the biggest sporting events ever held at Optus Stadium
- Match expected to set a new WA record crowd for a women’s sporting event, with all tickets now snapped up
- Kick off at 3pm, with the match to be followed by Iran vs Chinese Taipei
The CommBank Matildas are preparing to break more records and win more hearts, with their clash against the Philippines at Optus Stadium today set to be one of the biggest sporting events ever held at the award-winning venue.
The game was declared a sellout earlier this week and is expected to set a new WA record crowd for a women’s sporting event.
It is also expected to be Optus Stadium’s biggest-ever turnout for a world game event.
Following unprecedented public demand after their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 heroics, and with three sold-out match days at HBF Park, the Cook Government, in consultation with Football Australia, made the decision to move the Sunday match day to Optus Stadium, allowing thousands more Western Australians to see the CommBank Matildas on home soil.
The matches are part of the Round AFC Asian Olympic Qualifiers for Paris 2024, which the CommBank Matildas automatically progressed to based on their high placement in the Tokyo Olympics.
It’s also the first time in five years they will have played in Perth, and the first opportunity to see them compete in Australia following their huge campaign at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in July and August.
Group winners and the best-ranked runners-up from Round 2 matches played in Perth will advance to the third and final round of qualifying to take place on 24 and 28 February 2024.
The winning Round 3 teams will take the two spots reserved for Asia in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament to be held in Paris from 24 July to 10 August 2024, where 12 women’s national teams from six continental confederations will compete overall.
The Cook Government is also investing in grassroots football, with a new $9.3 million commitment to local clubs, facilities, and infrastructure, to ensure WA’s successful hosting of this year’s Women’s World Cup and Round 2 AFC Asian Olympic Qualifiers deliver a lasting legacy for the world game in WA.
To find out more, visit www.matildas.com.au.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
“Today’s CommBank Matildas match is set to be one of the biggest sporting events ever held at Optus Stadium, which is fitting for a team that has truly captivated our country and the world over the past few months.
“The football fanfare since the World Cup has been nothing short of incredible, which is why we made the decision to shift this match to Optus Stadium and allow an additional 40,000 fans to see their heroes in action.
“We’re so proud to have secured these exclusive matches in Perth, and I can’t wait to see the sea of green and gold this afternoon as we cheer on our CommBank Matildas.”
As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The incredible popularity of women’s football is driving thousands of visitors to WA for these six blockbuster Olympic Qualifier matches, while also promoting our State to the world through the international broadcast.
“These matches are an incredible opportunity for the WA community to see our nation’s sporting heroes after their brilliant performance at the World Cup, and will no doubt be welcomed by our WA tourism and hospitality sectors as well.
“We’re very excited to have our homegrown hero Sam Kerr back in town and ready to light up Optus Stadium in front of a packed house!”
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
“Our Government is so pleased to welcome back our national football hero and sporting icon Sam Kerr, who is a well-recognised role model for the WA community and football lovers across the globe, along with her incredibly talented team members.
“Hosting high-profile sporting matches and major events like these Olympic Qualifiers strengthens WA’s reputation as one of the sporting capitals of the southern hemisphere and will help grow the legacy of women’s sport in this State.”
As stated by Football Australia CEO James Johnson:
“The CommBank Matildas have not only showcased exceptional talent on the field, but have also united and captivated an entire nation. Eleven consecutive sold-out matches is no small feat – it’s a testament to the passion for women’s football in Australia.
“The overwhelming support in Perth, from the intimate atmosphere at the football purpose-built HBF Park to the grandeur of Optus Stadium, underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to our women’s football team.
“We are immensely proud of the CommBank Matildas and equally grateful to the fans who have made this historic run possible.
“Every cheer, every ticket purchased, and every jersey worn by a fan reiterates the importance of the CommBank Matildas to the Australian sports community.
“We are on an incredible journey together, and there’s no telling where this momentum will take us.”
