South Australia is one step closer to hosting world-class soccer with confirmation today that Adelaide will host five matches – including a Round of Sixteen – in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.
Hindmarsh Stadium will host four pool games in July and August, and then a round of 16 knock-out match on 8 August 2023 – bringing teams from seven countries to South Australia.
The event – co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand – will see 32 nations playing 64 matches across nine cities.
Football Federation South Australia (FFSA) vice president Dr Jane Rathjen and Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Corey Wingard joined with Events South Australia executive director Hitaf Rasheed to confirm the draw.
“It is terrific that Adelaide will be part of the world’s biggest sporting event to be held in 2023, and that fans will be able to see their heroes playing on home soil,” Minister Wingard said.
“It is exciting to know that the players are coming here to play at one of the best soccer venues in the country – in the third most liveable city in the world.”
Hindmarsh Stadium is undergoing a $53 million upgrade, including a major overhaul of the stadium’s change rooms, a shade covering over the eastern grandstand, a full replacement of the pitch, new arena lighting and improved media and corporate facilities.
“The major investment of the stadium will not only provide a world-class venue for the tournament but also ensures a significant legacy piece for all South Australians,” Ms Rasheed said.
“While the event itself will showcase Adelaide to the world, it’s equally important for us that it leaves a lasting legacy for our state’s football culture and heritage, and more specifically for women’s and girls’ football.”
Dr Rathjen said it was a great opportunity for both current and future players.
“It is an important milestone in our lead-up to the Women’s World Cup in South Australia. The matches in Adelaide will allow us to see truly international players, to be inspired by those players, so our young ones can see where they want to go,” she said.
In April this year, Adelaide was named as one of the host cities. The South Australian Tourism Commission, along with Football Federation Australia, the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Football South Australia and Adelaide United, worked together to prepare the bid – with a particular focus on South Australia’s vision to provide a lasting legacy for football and women in sport.
Dr Rathjen said the FFSA had implanted a legacy plan to ensure the game would continue to grow in SA – based on infrastructure, participation and leadership.
“It’s going to provide the opportunity for girls and women of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to get involved in the game at all levels,” she said.
