Hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ provided an opportunity for Australia to support our national women’s football team, the Matildas, in their quest to the Cup and beyond. The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ and the Matildas’ success has inspired the younger generation today and will for years to come.
The Matildas created a stage for up-and-coming footballers’ achievements to be recognised, and set records along the way:
- Record crowd attendance – nearly 2 million throughout the tournament (FIFA, 2023)
- Australia’s semi-final against England broke records with 7.13 million viewers, making it the most-watched television program since 2001 (Football Australia, 2023)
- First Australian football team to ever make it to the semi-final of a World Cup.
Throughout the tournament there were many memorable moments that contributed to the Women’s World Cup’s success:
Longest penalty shoot-out in a Women’s World Cup
A record 163 goals were scored
Youngest player at just 16 to ever make a World Cup appearance
First openly transgender and non-binary player
First player to wear a hijab
8 debutant teams
The overall success highlights the importance of supporting women’s sport collectively and exploring solutions to remove barriers for women. Legacy initiatives will continue to drive participation across the country, and ensure the tournament’s impact continues.
The Australian Government will continue to support major sporting events hosted in Australia, like the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™. Find more information on upcoming major sporting events in Australia.
Photo by Maddie Meyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images.
