FIFA announce match schedule for 2023 Women's World Cup

With just under 600 days until the Women's World Cup kicks off, FIFA have today announced the match schedule for the ninth edition of the tournament which will take place across Australia and New Zealand.

Young participants take part in drills during the schedule announcement for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

Young participants take part in drills during the schedule announcement for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Source: Getty Images

The opening ceremony and opening match will take place on July 20 at New Zealand’s Edan Park in Auckland/ Tāmaki Makaurau.

As New Zealand open Group A, the Matildas will kick off Group B at the brand-new Sydney Football Stadium on the same day.
Australia will host 35 of the 64 matches, including 11 of the 16 knockout matches. 

With 24 group games taking place down under, fans will also have the opportunity to attend six round of 16 matches, two quarter-finals, one semi-final, the third-place play-off and the final, which will be played at Stadium Australia on August 20.

Australians can also rejoice in the fact that the Matildas will play all their matches on home soil throughout the Women’s World Cup.
Sydney/Gadigal will host the lion’s share of the tournament, with seven matches being played at Sydney Football Stadium (six group games, one in the round of 16) and Stadium Australia hosting four major matches, including the final, where the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup champions will be crowned (one in the round of 16, one quarter-final, one semi-final and the final).

The rest of the Australia-based fixtures will be played across four stadiums:

  • Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane/Meanjin will see eight matches grace its turf (five group games, one in the round of 16, one quarter-final and one third-place play-off).
  • Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, aka AAMI Park in Melbourne/Naarm will host six matches (four group games and two in the round of 16).
  • Perth Rectangular Stadium, aka HBF Park in Perth/Boorloo will host five matches (five group games)
  • Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide/Tarntanya will also host five matches (four group games and one in the round of 16).
Matches played in New Zealand will be spread across four stadiums:

  • Eden Park in Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau will host nine matches (six group matches, one round of 16, one quarter-final, and one semi-final)
  • Dunedin Stadium in Dunedin / Ōtepoti will also host nine matches (seven group matches, one round of 16, and one quarter-final)
  • Waikato Stadium in Hamilton / Kirikiriroa will host six matches (six group matches)
  • Wellington Stadium in Wellington / Te Whanganui-a-Tara will host five matches (five group matches)
Football Australia's chief executive officer, James Johnson, was delighted with the match schedule, calling the announcement "another important milestone as we approach the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023." 

“We are very pleased with the match schedule from many perspectives," Johnson added.

"It has delivered Australia a higher split of matches with 35 of a possible 64 matches being played across the five Australian host cities and includes a Matildas match on the opening day at the new Sydney Football Stadium, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 final at Stadium Australia. 

"It also guarantees that the Matildas will play all their matches in Australia, an important factor in the team’s preparation and for our fans.”

Australia’s Federal Minister for Sport, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck, said momentum was building as the countdown to the Women’s World Cup continues.

“The tournament will embody the nation’s passion for women’s football and provide Australians with the opportunity to watch, and be inspired by, the best footballers in the world,” Minister Colbeck said.

“It is a great privilege for Australia to host 35 matches, including the final – a sporting showcase that will reinforce our growing reputation as a major events host."

The pairings and kick-off times for each fixture will be available after the draw, which will be confirmed at a later stage.


Share
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service. Read more about Sport
Have a story or comment? Contact Us

Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service.
Watch nowOn Demand
Follow SBS Sport
4 min read
Published 2 December 2021 3:40pm
Source: SBS The World Game


Share this with family and friends