Perth victorious in FIFA Women’s World Cup host city selection

• Perth secures host city status for largest FIFA Women's World Cup ever held
• Selection to bring millions of dollars in economic benefits and worldwide exposure for WA
• Confirmation comes after McGowan Government backed successful joint Australia-New Zealand bid

Perth has been officially selected as a host city for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup after the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) this morning announced the successful locations for the Australia and New Zealand tournament.

The host city confirmation from football's governing body will allow Western Australia to push ahead with planning for the prestigious tournament - which is expected to deliver millions of dollars of economic and job-creating benefits to the State.

Last year the McGowan Government threw its strong support behind the Australia-New Zealand bid - with the two countries jointly awarded the tournament in June 2020.

The world's biggest sport will showcase Perth, with both matches and training to occur at Perth's premium rectangular stadium - HBF Park.

Thirty-two international teams will compete in the 2023 tournament. The number of games Perth will host and scheduling details are expected to be confirmed in the coming months.                             

The tournament has the potential to attract thousands of visitors to the State, and will provide Western Australia with international exposure to the massive television audiences expected around the globe.

According to FIFA, more than a billion viewers tuned into coverage of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.

The McGowan Government has contributed $16.25 million towards a State Football Centre in Queens Park, which is due for completion in time for the event.

The elite facility will have the capability to host visiting international teams as a training ground, as well as grassroots football programs.

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

"The State Government's bid for the FIFA Women's World Cup captured the imagination of Western Australians, so it is terrific we can now say Perth is confirmed as a host city for the blockbuster event.

"This will be the biggest football event Perth has ever seen - providing global exposure for Western Australia and giving fans, young and old, lifelong memories of the world's best in action.

"I'd like to congratulate Football West and the Western Australian footballing community for their work to secure this tournament. We already claim the world's top player in Sam Kerr and hosting this spectacle on home soil will continue to grow the game at all levels."

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister David Templeman:

"We've got a great track record of successfully hosting the world game here in Perth, having welcomed two of the world's most famous football clubs in recent years - Manchester United and Chelsea.

"Our successful bid highlighted just how much Perth can offer visiting teams, athletes and fans - including a high-quality stadium and training facilities, world-class accommodation options and a vibrant city.

Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister Tony Buti:

"Hosting this global tournament in Perth will do wonders for the future of women's football and is further proof that we are competitive at the highest level in securing sporting events for the benefit of WA.

"The tournament will provide a unique opportunity to develop women's football in Western Australia, providing an incredible boost to the game at all levels, from grassroots to the professional leagues."