Eden Park in Auckland will host the opening game of the 2023 women’s World Cup (WC) with the final taking place in Stadium Australia in Sydney, soccer’s world governing body FIFA said on Wednesday as it announced the nine host cities for the tournament.
Adelaide, Brisbane, Dunedin, Hamilton, Melbourne, Perth and Wellington were the other seven cities in Australia and New Zealand selected to host matches. Australia and New Zealand will host one semi-final each with the full schedule to be announced later this year, FIFA added.
“The appointment of the nine host cities represents a major milestone for the next FIFA women’s World Cup, as well as for players and fans across Australia, New Zealand and around the world,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.
Australia and New Zealand qualify for the World Cup as hosts. The tournament will be the first women’s World Cup to feature 32 teams.