We are delighted with the announcement that Dunedin will be a Host City for the next FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023. The tournament will be the first-ever co-hosted FIFA Women's World Cup and the first edition to feature 32 teams.

Chris Wright, Football South's CEO, is overjoyed with Dunedin's selection, "We cannot wait for the Women's World Cup to come to Dunedin! A massive thanks to all those involved in the effort to secure the matches in Dunedin. We really appreciated all the hours and passion that went in from all parties to make this a reality. It’s going to be an incredible event and I’m sure Dunedin will create some memorable experiences for the players and fans, along with a great legacy for the city."

Star of the bid video, Southern United Academy and Roslyn Wakari player Zara Pratley is over the moon with the selection of her city, "I am super excited for Dunedin to host the FIFA Women's World Cup. It's going to be awesome to be a part of the atmosphere and to be able to watch some of the best footballers live!"

Football Chat Host Morgan Jarvis is equally ecstatic with the news, ""It's amazing to hear that Dunedin's bid to be a host city for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup has been successful - even a lot of football fans probably don't appreciate just how massive this event is. It feels like perfect timing and I'm sure it will have a huge impact on an entire generation of young Kiwi footballers. I can't wait!"

The Host Cities and stadiums for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 are:

• Adelaide – Hindmarsh Stadium
• Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau – Eden Park
• Brisbane – Brisbane Stadium
• Dunedin / Ōtepoti – Dunedin Stadium
• Hamilton / Kirikiriroa – Waikato Stadium
• Melbourne – Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
• Perth – Perth Rectangular Stadium
• Sydney – Stadium Australia and Sydney Football Stadium
• Wellington /  Te Whanganui-a-Tara  – Wellington Stadium

In addition to revealing the Host Cities and stadiums, FIFA has also announced that Eden Park in Auckland will host the opening match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 with Stadium Australia in Sydney selected to host the Final.

Both Australia and New Zealand will also host one semi-final each with the full match schedule for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 to be announced later this year.

Speaking on the selection of the Host Cities for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, said “Building on the incredible success of France 2019 both on and off the pitch, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and 9 Host Cities across Australia and New Zealand will not only showcase the world’s very best players, but will also provide a powerful platform to unite and inspire people, transform lives and create a lasting legacy for women’s football in Australia and New Zealand and around the world.”

Chris Nikou, Football Australia President, stated “The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will be the biggest sporting event on Australian soil since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, showcasing Australia and New Zealand to a global audience of over one billion people.

Today’s announcement of the Host Cities and match venues for the tournament is a major milestone in the build-up to the next FIFA Women’s World Cup - a tournament that will unite nations, inspire generations, and provide our diverse and multicultural game with the perfect platform to grow over the coming years.” 

Johanna Wood, President of New Zealand Football, remarked “It is a privilege to co-host the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023 with Australia and we look forward to welcoming the world’s best athletes and their supporters to Aotearoa New Zealand.”

“We have and will continue to work with our partners to deliver the biggest, most exciting and best tournament to date. The legacy of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 starts now and will go on to leave a lasting impression on women’s sport across both countries and the wider Asia-Pacific region.”

More information on the Host Cities and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is available on FIFA.com or like, share and engage with the hashtag #FIFAWWC.

Article added: Thursday 01 April 2021