Adelaide picked as one of nine cities across Australia and New Zealand to Host 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Coopers Stadium at Hindmarsh will be overhauled in time for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the Premier says – and there’s no back-up plan.

Adelaide has been announced as one of nine host cities for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, to be hosted between Australia and New Zealand.

It is not yet known how many matches will be played at Adelaide’s 16,500 capacity Coopers Stadium at Hindmarsh.

In the 2020-21 state budget, $45 million was committed to the redevelopment of Coopers Stadium, in an effort to secure major soccer events, such as the Women’s World Cup.

The upgrades are set to include a major overhaul of the stadium’s change rooms, a shade covering over the eastern grandstand and a full replacement of the pitch.

There are also plans for new stadium lighting, improved media facilities, better corporate areas, a new kitchen and airconditioning and an increase in its capacity to hold 22,000 fans.

Speaking at Coopers Stadium on Thursday, Premier Steven Marshall said the upgrades to the stadium were necessary.

“It is a tired facility, it doesn’t have the changing facilities and spectator amenity that we are seeing in other stadiums right across the country,” Mr Marshall said.

“This decision by FIFA has inspired us to get ready in time for the Women’s World Cup.”

Mr Marshall could not confirm how many games at Coopers Stadium will be allocated, and whether the Matildas will be playing in Adelaide.

He also confirmed there is no back-up plan to move games to Adelaide Oval if the work is not completed.

“We are absolutely convinced we will have the work completed in time for 2023.”

Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium will have at least $3.3 million spent on it by the government in anticipation for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Joining Adelaide as host cities are Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney in Australia.

Across the ditch, Auckland, Dunedin, Hamilton and Wellington have been name as New Zealand’s host cities.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, said announcing the cities for the tournament was a “major milestone”.

“Building on the incredible success of France 2019 both on and off the pitch, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and nine host cities across Australia and New Zealand will not only showcase the world’s very best players, but will also provide a powerful platform to unite and inspire people, transform lives and create a lasting legacy for women’s football in Australia and New Zealand and around the world,” he said.

Football Australia President, Chris Nikou, said the event will be on an equal scale to the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will be the biggest sporting event on Australian soil since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, showcasing Australia and New Zealand to a global audience of over one billion people.”

The Matildas celebrate an Emily van Egmond goal during the Women's Olympic Football Tournament Qualifier between Australia and China PR at Bankwest Stadium on February 13, 2020 in Sydney. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Speaking on radio this morning, Sports Minister Corey Wingard said it was exciting news: “The opportunity is fantastic, not just for games, but to also get teams to come and train here,” Mr Wingard told ABC Radio Adelaide.

“The excitement for soccer fans, young girls and women in particular, is going to be through the roof. The opportunity to grow the game in SA on the back of this project is going to be huge.”

Mr Wingard said Adelaide would be able to offer itself as a hub for multiple teams to set up a home base.

Adelaide United Football Club Director Ian Smith was overjoyed to hear the news.

“It’s absolutely brilliant … This is going to go way beyond soccer, it electrifies a country,” Mr Smith said.

“It goes to the heart of communities. It is the world game and the world language.”

Football Australia President, Chris Nikou, said the event will be on an equal scale to the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will be the biggest sporting event on Australian soil since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, showcasing Australia and New Zealand to a global audience of over one billion people.”

Young Matilda and Adelaide United FC Women’s player, Charlotte Grant, said playing in a World Cup is a life goal.

“I think it’s incredible Adelaide get the opportunity to host the World Cup,” she said.

“To be able to play in front of family and friends would mean the absolute world to me.”