Perth will host five 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup games as part of one of the biggest series of football matches Western Australia has ever seen.
FIFA this morning confirmed its 64-match schedule for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Perth will be one of nine host cities across the two nations, with games to be held at Perth’s rectangular stadium on the following dates:
- July 22 – Group Stage (D)
- July 26 – Group Stage (B)
- July 29 – Group Stage (F)
- August 1 – Group Stage (D)
- August 3 – Group Stage (H)
The five group stage fixtures in Perth will be played between nine different teams, which will also use other local facilities to train and prepare. One team will play multiple matches at Perth’s rectangular stadium and will have a base camp in Perth.
The pairings and kick-off times for each fixture will be available after the draw, which will be confirmed by FIFA at the end of 2022.
It is anticipated the tournament will deliver millions of dollars of economic benefits to Western Australia, attracting tourists to Western Australia and showcasing the State on television screens around the world.
A range of upgrades to Perth’s rectangular stadium is now underway so the facility meets FIFA requirements for the upcoming World Cup, as well as providing benefits for future events.
The $35 million upgrade to the historic venue includes:
- replacing the halogen lights with a shift to modern LED lighting;
- upgrading the pitch through removal, levelling and turf replacement;
- new player races and bench areas; and
- upgrades to the existing power supply, including a new switch room.
The funding will also cover temporary infrastructure such as additional seating and facilities for players, media and patrons to cater for the World Cup.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“This will be one of the biggest events WA has ever been involved in, with over a billion people around the world expected to tune in over the course of the tournament.
“Western Australia will see major tourism benefits and local fans and players will enjoy the chance to be part of one of the sporting world’s biggest spectacles.
“Just like Perth’s historic AFL Grand Final, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be something all Western Australians can be proud of.”
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Tony Buti:
“This is the arguably the third biggest sporting event in the world, and the biggest women’s sporting event on the planet.
“It’s another incredible opportunity to show that Perth has the calibre to host international-standard events at our world class venues.
“To secure five games is a fantastic result, and I have no doubt that WA’s rapidly increasing appetite for football will continue to surge over the next 18 months.
“Female football is one of the fastest-growing sports 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.”
As stated by Tourism Minister David Templeman:
“It is absolutely wonderful to hear that Perth will host five matches as part of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup event.
“Perth has so much to offer visiting athletes, officials and fans, including a range of accommodation choices, spectacular natural surroundings and a huge choice of exciting experiences.
“During these five matches, all eyes will be on Western Australia and Perth as a host city for this landmark event.”
