Suncorp Stadium ready for ‘football takeover’ with 8 world cup matches locked in
Suncorp Stadium is set for a “football takeover” when it hosts eight Women’s World Cup matches in 12 months’ time including a blockbuster Matildas match that will likely feature global superstars like Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter.
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A Matildas group stage match and seven other fixtures are set to whet the appetite of Queensland football fans as it prepares for hosting duties for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The countdown to the mega month-long tournament is officially underway, almost one year to the day until Sam Kerr, Ellie Carpenter and Caitlin Foord take centre stage.
The tournament kicks off on July 20, 2023 with the powerhouse Matildas predicted to attract sold-out crowds.
Brisbane is one of several host cities and Suncorp Stadium will showcase eight matches, including Australia’s second group match and the third-place playoff final.
With more than a billion people tipped to tune into the event worldwide and tens of thousands of fans in person, Football Australia says Brisbane can stake its claim for future international tournaments.
Football Australia’s head of women’s football, Sarah Walsh, said hosting the tournament would prove a stepping stone ahead of the Olympic Games in 2032.
Ms Walsh said a successful host tournament could pave the way for other global events to follow.
“We have a football mad country when it comes to World Cups,” Ms Walsh said.
“So I think it will be a really good stepping stone for the Olympics. As part of our legacy plan, we want to start to build infrastructure around football, to make sure that we’re ready for the Olympics.”
Ms Walsh said Queensland had recent become the second highest state for football participation in the country and that global events could trigger massive spikes in newcomers to the beautiful game.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles said Brisbane was proud to be among the host cities for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.
Mr Miles said the growth of football in Queensland, particularly in women was exciting and that global tournaments would propel it further.
“It will well and truly put Brisbane on the global stage,” Mr Miles said.
Mr Miles said he would love for Brisbane to host future international tournaments like the men’s world cup or Asian cups.
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