Delight Down Under as 2023 Women’s World Cup hosts named

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 logo

MELBOURNE: The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup promises to be an historic event on multiple levels.

The announcement on Thursday that Australia and New Zealand will play host means that this edition of the Women's World Cup will be the first in the Southern Hemisphere, and the first to feature in the Oceania Football Confederation. It will also be the first edition to feature 32 teams, up from 16 teams as recently as 2011.

Australia captain Sam Kerr: “The opportunity to play in a home FIFA Women’s World Cup is something every footballer dreams of and I am looking forward to seeing those dreams come true. Playing for the Matildas in Australia will be the highlight of my career and an opportunity to inspire girls, both in Australia and New Zealand, and all over the world to play football.”

New Zealand captain Ali Riley: “I just broke down when I heard. This will be in a chance in a lifetime to connect with fans. We barely play any home games - because we are so far away from everywhere else - so this is so epic.”

USA midfielder, reigning The Best FIFA Women’s player and one-time Sydney FC guest player Megan Rapinoe: “Might just have to stick around a few more years for this one! This is going to be amazing! Congrats to the AUS and NZ!”