Newcastle football fans set for a win from the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup action

City of Newcastle welcomes today’s announcement of the successful joint bid from Australia and New Zealand to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) and New Zealand Football (NZF) have together made history as the first co-Confederation to host a FIFA Women’s World Cup. It will also be the first FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in the southern hemisphere.

McDonald Jones Stadium is expected to be a match venue, with Newcastle forming part of Australia’s bid, bringing thousands of visitors to the city.

Newcastle has also been suggested to play host to some of the visiting teams, based on providing an attractive location for teams to base themselves to stay and train during their world cup campaign.

^{Emerging Jets Squad players Charli Vogtmann, Kalani Dinnery, Annika Driscoll and Rose Harvey with Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.}

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the vote had Australian – and indeed Novocastrian – football fans cheering.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Australia to showcase the Matildas’ and Newcastle Jets W-League talent on home turf and strengthen ties with our neighbours across the ditch while also unlocking economic benefits and driving positive social impacts for women and girls,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Australia staged the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, which included Newcastle hosting two group stage matches, a semi-final and third place playoff at McDonald Jones Stadium, reinforcing Newcastle’s reputation for hosting world-class sporting tournaments.

“Even more recently, Newcastle hosted the Matildas in the Olympic qualifier against Vietnam at McDonald Jones Stadium on 6 March in their qualification to the upcoming Olympics.

“Winning the 2023 Women’s World Cup bid reaffirms Australia’s ability to attract top-tier sporting codes and I can’t wait to join fans in the stands here in Newcastle.”

The Australian-New Zealand bid was rated the most technically proficient in FIFA’s report, ahead of Japan and Colombia.

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be held from 10 July to 20 August 2023.