One-stop guide to Brisbane FIFA women’s World Cup soccer matches

The world’s eye for the world game is turning to Brisbane, with the River City ready for a four-week festival of football that will be the biggest sporting drawcard since the 1982 Commonwealth Games.

Jeremy Piercetourism reporter

@GoldCoastBureau

2 min read

July 22, 2023 - 12:00AM

QLD News

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The world’s eye for the world game turns to Brisbane as the River City unleashes a four-week feast of football.

The FIFA women’s soccer World Cup – that’s football to the purists, takes over Brisbane starting Saturday night with a Group D preliminary match between England and Haiti in the first of eight games slated for the city and expected to inject $30 million into the local economy.

The Matildas, fresh from a 1-nil win over Ireland in their campaign opener, will take on Nigeria at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday, with world powers France, Brazil, and Germany among the teams set to take to the hallowed field, temporarily renamed Brisbane Stadium for the duration of the tournament.

Already the Matildas’ Brisbane match is a sellout, with an estimated 40,000 visitors expected to flood into the city over the coming weeks.

Explainer: Everything you need to know for the Women’s World Cup

More than 260,000 tickets have already been sold for the Brisbane matches with that number expected to rise sharply as World Cup fever takes hold.

Brisbane hotels, often languishing half-empty during the traditionally quiet July and August period, are sitting at almost 90 per cent occupancy this weekend, and 85 per cent for Thursday’s Matildas’ game.

The Matildas celebrate a goal during the 1-nil win over Ireland. Picture: Bradley Kanaris (Getty Images)

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said it would be the biggest international sporting event to hit the city since the 1982 Commonwealth Games.

“The event is a win for the city, delivering a $30 million economic dividend and attracting 40,000 visitors who will be staying in our local hotels, dine at our restaurants and experience Brisbane’s natural wonders through local tourism operators,” he said.

“Ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, huge global events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup will help us prepare to host the biggest sporting event on the planet in nine years’ time.”

Hotels aren’t the only accommodation option set to reap the rewards, with data from Airbnb revealing a surge in bookings and the number of property owners keen to generate some extra cash.

The United Kingdom makes up the largest number of international visitors booking Airbnb stays during the World Cup, followed by the United States and surprisingly New Zealand, with our trans-Tasman neighbours acting as co-hosts for the tournament.

The Matildas have also made Brisbane their base during the World Cup and flew back into town on Friday after their epic tournament opener with almost a week to prepare for the game against Nigeria.

Matildas star Sam Kerr on her way back to Brisbane after the team’s opening World Cup match. Picture: David Swift

An official FIFA Fan Festival has been set up at South Bank, while Caxton St has become a virtual United Nations, with flags and team colours flying proudly throughout the entertainment precinct, with the street gateway to be lit in green and gold for the next month.