Quick Facts
- Host Nations: Australia and New Zealand (The first co-hosted FIFA Women's World Cup and the first across two confederations: AFC and OFC).
- Scale of Event: 32 competing nations—a 33% expansion from the 2019 tournament—playing 64 matches.
- Venues: 10 stadiums across 9 host cities (5 in Australia, 4 in New Zealand).
- Flagship Venue: Stadium Australia in Sydney, boasting a capacity of 83,500, nearly double that of the next largest stadium.
- Dates: July 20 to August 20, 2023.
The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup represents a watershed moment for international football, not merely for its expanded roster of 32 teams but for its unprecedented geographical footprint. As the first edition of the tournament to be held in the Southern Hemisphere and the first to be split across two sovereign nations, it presents a unique logistical landscape for travelers and sporting enthusiasts alike. From the tropical warmth of Brisbane to the temperate winter of New Zealand’s South Island, the tournament utilizes a diverse array of infrastructure that reflects the cultural and topographical richness of the "Down Under" region.
For the discerning traveler, navigating this event requires more than just a ticket; it requires an understanding of the vast distances between host cities and the distinct character of each venue. We have analyzed the 10 stadiums and 9 host cities to provide a comprehensive guide for those following the action on the ground or from afar.
Hosting Overview: Two Nations, One Goal
The selection of Australia and New Zealand as joint hosts was a strategic move by FIFA to tap into the burgeoning football markets of the Asia-Pacific region. This tournament is historically significant as it marks the first time a World Cup has been hosted across two different confederations—the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC).
One of the most notable aspects of the 2023 tournament is the integration of Indigenous culture into the very identity of the event. Every host city is recognized by both its English and its Indigenous or Māori name. This dual-identity nomenclature is more than a symbolic gesture; it is reflected in the branding, the opening ceremonies, and the localized fan experiences. Traveling between these venues often involves crossing the Tasman Sea, a three-hour flight that separates the two host nations, adding a layer of complexity to the 64-match schedule.
Logistically, the tournament is spread across four different time zones during the Austral winter. While the atmosphere is electric, visitors should be prepared for varying climates: New Zealand and southern Australian cities like Melbourne and Adelaide experience crisp, cool winters, while Perth and Brisbane offer much milder, sunnier conditions.
Host Cities & Stadiums in Australia
Australia serves as the primary hub for the latter stages of the tournament, including the final. The Australian leg is characterized by high-capacity stadiums and a deeply entrenched sporting culture.
Sydney (Gadigal & Wangal)
Sydney is the undisputed heart of the tournament, being the only host city to utilize two separate venues.
- Stadium Australia: Located in the Olympic Park precinct, this is the tournament’s crown jewel. With a capacity of 83,500, it hosted the opening match for the Matildas (Australia’s national team) and the Final on August 20. Its scale is unparalleled in this competition, providing a grand stage for the world’s most elite athletes.
- Sydney Football Stadium: A brand-new, state-of-the-art rectangular venue with a capacity of 42,512. It offers an intimate, "top-of-the-pitch" viewing experience, hosting several group stage matches and a Round of 16 clash.
Brisbane (Meaanjin)
Brisbane Stadium, known locally as Suncorp Stadium, is widely regarded as one of the best rectangular venues in the world for spectator sightlines. With a capacity of 49,461, it is the second-largest venue in the tournament. Brisbane’s subtropical climate makes it a favorite for traveling fans, hosting eight matches in total, including the high-stakes third-place play-off.
Melbourne (Naarm)
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium (AAMI Park) sits in the heart of Australia’s sporting capital. While its capacity is a more modest 27,706 for this tournament, its distinctive geodesic roof and proximity to the city center make it a highly accessible and atmospheric venue. It hosted six matches, including crucial group stage fixtures for heavy hitters like Canada and Australia.
Perth (Boorloo)
The only host city on Australia’s west coast, Perth offers a unique gateway for fans coming from Asia and Europe. Perth Rectangular Stadium (HBF Park) underwent significant upgrades to its lighting and facilities for the tournament. With a capacity of 18,727, it hosted five group stage matches, providing a boutique experience in a city known for its stunning sunsets and Mediterranean climate.
Adelaide (Tarntanya)
Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide is the smallest of the Australian venues but perhaps the most intense. Its 13,327-capacity (expanded for the FIFA event) puts fans incredibly close to the action. Following a $53 million renovation, it hosted four group stage matches and one Round of 16 match, serving as the primary football hub for South Australia.
Venue Comparison Table: Australia & New Zealand
| Stadium | City | Capacity | Matches Hosted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stadium Australia | Sydney, AU | 83,500 | 5 (inc. Final) |
| Brisbane Stadium | Brisbane, AU | 49,461 | 8 (inc. 3rd Place) |
| Eden Park | Auckland, NZ | 43,217 | 9 (inc. Semi-final) |
| Sydney Football Stadium | Sydney, AU | 42,512 | 6 |
| Wellington Regional Stadium | Wellington, NZ | 33,132 | 9 |
| Melbourne Rectangular Stadium | Melbourne, AU | 27,706 | 6 |
| Waikato Stadium | Hamilton, NZ | 18,009 | 5 |
| Perth Rectangular Stadium | Perth, AU | 18,727 | 5 |
| Dunedin Stadium | Dunedin, NZ | 24,243 | 6 |
| Hindmarsh Stadium | Adelaide, AU | 13,327 | 5 |
Host Cities & Stadiums in New Zealand
New Zealand’s hosting duties are characterized by stunning natural backdrops and a deep integration of Māori culture. The venues here are spread across both the North and South Islands.
Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau)
Eden Park is New Zealand’s largest and most iconic stadium. Traditionally the "fortress" of New Zealand rugby, it was transformed to host the opening ceremony and the tournament's first match between New Zealand and Norway. With a capacity of 43,217, it hosted nine matches, including a semi-final, making it the primary hub for the New Zealand leg of the tournament.
Wellington (Te Whanganui-a-Tara)
The capital city’s Wellington Regional Stadium (Sky Stadium) is affectionately known as "The Cake Tin" due to its circular shape. However, for football, it provides an excellent 33,132-capacity bowl. Wellington is famous for its wind, which can often play a tactical role in the matches. This venue was a workhorse for the tournament, hosting nine matches including a quarter-final.
Dunedin (Ōtepoti)
As the only venue on the South Island, Dunedin Stadium (Forsyth Barr Stadium) holds a special place in the tournament. It is the world’s only permanently enclosed natural grass stadium. This "glasshouse" design is essential for the Dunedin winter, ensuring that the 24,243 fans and the players remain dry and shielded from the Antarctic winds while maintaining a perfect pitch.
Hamilton (Kirikiriroa)
Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, with a capacity of 18,009, hosted five group stage matches. Located just a short drive from Auckland, it served as a vital secondary venue for the North Island, offering a more intimate setting for fans to see international stars up close.
Tournament Logistics & Fan Experience
Beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch, the 2023 Women's World Cup was designed to be a month-long festival of culture and sport. This was the first time FIFA implemented a full-scale "Fan Festival" in every single host city. These zones were free to enter and featured giant screens, local culinary delights, and live performances, creating a communal hub for those without tickets to the matches themselves.
Critic's Tip: When traveling between cities, especially in New Zealand, the "Team Base Camp" concept is worth noting. Thirty-two different locations were selected across the two countries to host the teams' training and accommodation. This spread the economic and social benefits of the tournament far beyond the nine host cities, reaching regional centers like Tauranga, Christchurch, and the Central Coast of Australia.
The logistics of moving 32 teams—a 33% increase from the 24-team format of 2019—was a massive undertaking. For fans, this meant booking flights and accommodation well in advance, particularly for the knockout stages where the locations were determined by match results. The use of "smart" scheduling attempted to minimize travel for teams during the group stages by keeping them within specific geographical clusters.
How to Watch & Attend
While the live experience in the stadiums is incomparable, the digital and broadcast reach of this tournament was unprecedented. FIFA+ served as the primary digital hub for highlights and statistics, while major broadcasters like Fox Sports (USA), Optus Sport (Australia), and Sky Sport (New Zealand) provided comprehensive coverage.
For those planning to attend future iterations of such mega-events, the ticket portal remains the primary gateway. FIFA utilized a tiered pricing structure to ensure accessibility for locals while managing the high demand from international travelers.
Visit the Official FIFA World Cup Portal →
FAQ
Q: Which city hosted the most matches during the 2023 Women's World Cup? A: Both Auckland and Wellington in New Zealand, and Sydney in Australia (across its two venues), were the busiest hubs. Auckland and Wellington each hosted 9 matches, while Sydney hosted 11 matches in total across Stadium Australia and the Sydney Football Stadium.
Q: Was it easy to travel between Australia and New Zealand for the matches? A: While there are frequent flights between major hubs like Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland, travelers required valid passports and, in many cases, separate visas or travel authorizations for each country. The flight time is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours across the Tasman Sea.
Q: What was the largest stadium used in the tournament? A: Stadium Australia in Sydney was the largest venue, with a capacity of 83,500. It served as the site for the Final and Australia's opening match.
As the final whistle blew in Sydney on August 20, the 2023 Women's World Cup left a lasting legacy on the infrastructure and sporting culture of the South Pacific. Whether you were in the stands at the glass-roofed stadium in Dunedin or among the 80,000-strong crowd in Sydney, the tournament proved that the growth of women’s football is a global phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down.
