Where they will play
Published:Wednesday | July 19, 2023 | 12:06 AM
The 2023 Women’s World Cup will start tomorrow in Australia and New Zealand, the first time that the tournament will have 32 teams and that two countries have shared hosting duties. For the next month, fierce clashes will take place in both countries. Here is a profile on the 10 stadiums that will host all 64 games.
Australia
Stadium Australia, Sydney
Capacity: 82,000 with additional seating if necessary
Opened in June 1999, Stadium Australia has hosted Rugby League, Rugby Union, Aussie Rules Football, cricket and has also hosted the men’s and women’s national football teams. Originally built to hold over 100,000 spectators, it is the second-largest stadium in Australia after the Melbourne Cricket Ground. It will host Australia’s opener against the Republic of Ireland on July 20 as well as the World Cup final on August 20.
Notable matches
July 20 Group A: Australia vs Republic of Ireland
August 20: World Cup Final
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Capacity:38, 841
The stadium opened in August 2022 valued at US$ 828m. Its construction was approved by the state government, who made the controversial decision to demolish and replace the old stadium which bears the same name which was originally built in 1988. The venue will play host to Jamaica’s Group F opener against France on Sunday.
July 23 Group F France vs Jamaica
July 28 Group D: England vs Denmark
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne
Capacity: 24, 870
Opened in 2010, the stadium is across the road from Melbourne Park, and Road Laver Arena, the site of the annual Australian Open. The stadium is also home A-League teams, Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City and Western United’s men’s and women’s teams. The venue will host five group games and two knockout rounds. The pick of the matches will be the showdown between the co-hosts Australia and the Olympic champions, Canada in Group B
Notable matches
July 21 Group B: Nigeria vs Canada
July 24 Group H: Germany vs Morocco
July 31 Group B: Canada vs Australia
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Capacity:46, 851
It is among the oldest stadiums being used for the tournament, having opened in 1941 and finished its redevelopment in 2003. The site was originally the city’s main cemetery before it was set aside for recreational purposes in 1914. The venue will host eight matches including a quarterfinal. The Group F clash between France and Brazil will be the feature match that the stadium will host with the group winner likely to be decided.
Notable matches
July 29 Group F: France vs Brazil
July 31 Group B: Republic of Ireland vs Nigeria
Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth
Capacity:13,932
First opened in 1910 the venue served as an Australia Rules football oval until its redevelopment in 2004, It is now home to A-League outfit Perth Glory as well the Western Force Super Rugby Team. The venue will host five games including Jamaica’s second group game against Panama on July 29.
Notable matches
July 22 Group D: Denmark vs China
July 29 Group F: Panama vs Jamaica
Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
Capacity 13:327
The venue has been hosting football matches since opening in 1960 and it is the home of A-League side Adelaide United. However, it has also hosted top-flight rugby matches and international matches. The venue completed its two-year renovation project in time for the tournament which included a new east-stand roof, improved lighting and big screens. Among the matches at the venue will be the Group D clash between China and European champions England.
Notable matches
July 30 Group H: South Korea vs Morocco
August 1 Group D; China vs England
New Zealand
Eden Park, Auckland
Capacity: 40,000
Built on what was previously a swampland from nearby volcanos which are now dormant, it serves as the country’s national stadium which has hosted rugby and cricket matches. the stadium hosted its first professional club match in 2011 but it has also hosted memorable women’s sporting matches including last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup final which was sold out. It will be the venue that will mark the beginning of the tournament with the opening ceremonies and New Zealand opening the campaign against Norway.
Notable matches
July 20 Group A: New Zealand vs Norway
July 24 Group G: Italy vs Argentina
August 1 Group E: Portugal vs USA
Dunedin Stadium, Dunedin
Capacity:24,243
Opened in 2011 it is the largest indoor stadium in the country, hosting both rugby and football matches as well as large-scale music shows attracting acts like Elton John and Ed Sheeran. Six matches will take place at the stadium which includes a Group E battle between the Netherlands and Portugal.
Notable matches
July 23 Group E Netherlands vs Portugal
July 28 Group G: Argentina vs South Africa
July 30 Group A: Switzerland vs New Zealand
Wellington Regional Stadium
Capacity: 31.089
Opened in 2011, the stadium is known as the Cake Tin for its circular shape. It is set on reclaimed land overlooking the city’s harbour. The venue will host nine matches including the rematch of the 2019 World Cup Final between the United States and the Netherlands.
Notable matches
July 21 Group C: Spain vs Costa Rica
July 27 Group E United States vs Netherlands
July 29 Group G: Sweden vs Italy
July 21: Group C: Japan vs Spain
Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Capacity 16,271
Opened in 2002 the stadium was not built as an oval in order so it can host cricket games. The tighter rectangular arrangement provides an intimate atmosphere for spectators. A Whatanova gateway was unveiled a year after the stadium opened to commemorate the Ngati Wairere Pa and burial ground which once near the stadium. Among the five matches that the stadium will host include the Group A fixture between Switzerland and Norway which could decide who advances from the group.
Notable matches
July 22 Group C: Zambia vs Japan
July 25 Group A: Switzerland vs Norway
August 2 Group G: Argentina vs Sweden