Football Queensland (FQ) is delighted to welcome today’s announcement that Brisbane has been selected as a host city for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.

“It is fantastic news for our entire football community that the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is coming to Queensland,” FQ President Ben Richardson said.

“This is the biggest women’s sporting event in the world. In the Women and Girls Strategy released last month, we highlighted the tournament’s potential to deliver immense benefits for all Queenslanders, particularly women and girls.

“FQ is focused on maximising this opportunity as we unlock the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 legacy in partnership with state and local government.

“We look forward to working with them on developing infrastructure, creating inclusive environments and delivering football for girls in every Queensland school.

“Women and girls are the future for football, and it will be inspiring to see our homegrown Matildas play on the game’s greatest stage in our own backyard.”

The 52,500-seat Suncorp Stadium will host games in Brisbane, with exact match allocations to be confirmed at a later date.

Sites on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast and in Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns have been identified as potential Team Base Camps for the 32-team tournament.

Tourism and Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will bring thousands of visitors to Brisbane and build on Queensland’s international reputation as a major events destination.

“With FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 in France attracting a global TV audience of over 1 billion people, we’re thrilled Brisbane will be on the global stage as the event streams across televisions around the world,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“This will be a major boost for Queensland and Brisbane’s tourism industry as fans tune-in or follow their favourite team to the Sunshine State.

“We can’t wait to cheer on the Matildas here in Brisbane – events like these provide huge motivation and inspiration for young girls and women in sport, as well as creating a healthier and more active Queensland.

“The projected economic benefit of the event for host countries is almost $500 million – which will be a significant injection of tourism activity and jobs for our state.”