The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced today, June 26 that the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 will be staged in Australia and New Zealand.
This comes following a vote taken by the FIFA Council that saw the joint bid submitted by Football Federation Australia and New Zealand Football receive 22 of the 35 valid votes cast.
Off the back of the success of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2019 in France the decision for Australia and New Zealand to host will be the first edition to feature 32 teams.
It will also be the first to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand and across two confederations (AFC and OFC).
Lowland Wanderers Club President David Parkinson is ecstatic about the announcement.
"I think it is absolutely fantastic," said David. "It'll be great to see some good quality football being played in Australia.
"You don't often get to see a spectacle like this and I think it'll be brilliant for women's soccer especially as Australia is in with a title chance.
"I hope we do make a big spectacle of it. We will probably never get to see Australia reach the final in the men's so it's good that the women will hopefully reach the final with home field advantage.
David believes that local soccer will feed off of the announcement and event.
"Women's soccer will see a massive influx, girls will be drawn to the sport after getting to see it at such high quality here in Australia," said David.
"Women's soccer will grow massively, there will be an abundance of girls signing up."
Lowlands player Samara Wehmeyer is also excited about the news that the world cup is coming to Australia and New Zealand.
"I think women's football isn't promoted enough in Australia, and the fact we now get to co-host one of the biggest soccer tournaments in the world will be a huge boost for women's sports," she said.
"I get up with my brother and watch every game Australia plays when the World Cup is on, and I can't believe I could possibly be attending one of those games in person.
"I think the fact it is on home turf will allow everyone to appreciate the sport more, and realise that women are just as competitive."
Finn Coleman
I understand the importance of community news in highlighting stories that members of local communities care about - including events, businesses, sports and the people that make towns unique. Email me at finn.coleman@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0437 550 909
I understand the importance of community news in highlighting stories that members of local communities care about - including events, businesses, sports and the people that make towns unique. Email me at finn.coleman@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0437 550 909
