Officials from two international teams are in Perth today to see first-hand the city’s excellent facilities for the FIFA Women’s World Cup (FIFAWWC) Australia and New Zealand 2023.
Officials from the People’s Republic of China and Denmark have touched down in Perth following the FIFA official draw in Auckland on the weekend, which determined that nine of the Cup’s 32 participating teams will compete in Perth as part of the 2023 tournament.
The teams coming to Western Australia as part of the five-match series include:
- reigning Olympic champions Canada, whose star striker Christine Sinclair is the all-time leading international goal scorer for men or women;
- the Republic of China team – known as the Steel Roses – one of the powerhouses of world football;
- Denmark – returning to the World Cup after a 16-year absence;
- the Republic of Ireland;
- Jamaica;
- Morocco; and
- Columbia.
The month-long FIFAWWC 2023 will be the biggest in history, kicking off across Australia and New Zealand on 20 July 2023.
The primary training ground for the FIFAWWC will be the $40 million State Football Centre, which is being jointly funded by the WA and Australian Governments.
The Centre will be a world-class sporting facility catering to all levels of the sport, from grassroots to high-performance development.
It includes:
- two floodlit pitches capable of high-performance and high-intensity use;
- three five-a-side pitches; and
- supporting infrastructure – such as change rooms and a gym – as well as administration facilities for Football West.
The WA Government is also investing $35 million to deliver upgrades to the Perth Rectangular Stadium, which will be the venue for all five matches.
These works include upgrades to the lighting, the pitch, the player amenities, the power supply, along with temporary infrastructure to accommodate the anticipated number of World Cup spectators – such as additional seating and facilities for players, media, and patrons.
The State Government is also contributing $200,000 to match the Australian Government’s election pledge of $200,000 towards upgrades to West Perth’s Dorrien Gardens sports ground, which has also been selected by FIFA as a training location.
The full list of Perth matches includes:
- 22 July 2023 Denmark v People’s Republic of China
- 26 July 2023 Republic of Ireland v Canada
- 29 July 2023 Jamaica v Group C play-off winner
- 1 August 2023 Group B play-off winner v Denmark
- 3 August 2023 Morocco v Colombia
The FIFAWWC 2023 tickets are on sale now.
As stated by Tourism Minister Roger Cook:
“Western Australia loves big events, and we are going to see nine of the best teams in the world right here in Perth.
“This is going to be the biggest sporting event hosted on Australian soil since the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
“Apart from the action on the field, this a terrific opportunity to showcase our State to thousands of visitors and the millions more watching the international broadcasts.
“It’s going to be a fantastic couple of weeks for both local businesses and fans, as we experience the buzz and atmosphere of having so many different nations competing in one of the world’s great events.”
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
“This is arguably one of the top three sporting events in the world, and the biggest women’s sporting event on the planet.
“International football is one of the fastest-growing sports among women and girls in the country.
“The ripple effect from hosting the tournament will be long lasting and will inspire grassroots players across WA, enhancing the sport at all levels.”
