FIFA Women’s World Cup ultimate guide: Where to watch the Matildas in Sydney
The Matildas are set for a Peng-WIN against the Republic of Ireland in their first World Cup match, according to the latest animal oracles. Here’s everything you need to know about the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Sydney.
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The Matildas are set for a Peng-WIN against the Republic of Ireland in their first Women’s World Cup match.
Gentoo penguins at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium were tasked with the all-important job of predicting whether the beloved Australian team would walk away from Stadium Australia victorious or defeated on Thursday night.
Taking to the ice earlier in the week, the penguins used their happy feet to kick the official Women’s World Cup football in the direction of the Aussie flag as it was held by keepers next to the Irish flag.
Penguin Keeper Vanja Jugovic said she was certain the little helpers put their best webbed foot forward when backing our Matildas to win.
“We’re so excited for our Gentoo penguins to play their part in helping Aussies predict whether the CommBank Matildas will prevail on the pitch for the opening match of the World Cup,” she said.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off on Thursday as the star-stacked Matildas take to the field and look to make history on home soil.
About 80,000 fans are expected at Australia’s opening match against Ireland at Stadium Australia in Sydney Olympic Park, with a further five games set to be held at the venue and six at Sydney Football Stadium in Moore Park.
Those attending live games at the Sydney venues are encouraged to take public transport, with over 100,000 fans and stakeholders set to descend on the city for the major event. The NSW Government confirmed an extra 127 trains would run direct from Central Station to the Olympic Park stadium to cater for these guests.
For those without tickets, you can still catch all the Women’s World Cup action and events around Sydney and get behind our Matildas in the green and gold.
Here’s your ultimate guide to all the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Sydney.
FIFA SYDNEY WORLD CUP GAMES SCHEDULE
For the first time ever south of the equator, Sydney will host 11 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches at Stadium Australia in Sydney Olympic Park and Sydney Football Stadium in Moore Park.
The matches will run from July 20 through to August 20, 2023.
WOMEN’S WORLD CUP SYDNEY MATCH SCHEDULE:
Thursday, 20 July: Australia vs. Republic of Ireland – Stadium Australia
Sunday, 23 July: France vs. Jamaica – Sydney Football Stadium
Tuesday, 25 July: Colombia vs. Korea Republic – Sydney Football Stadium
Friday, 28 July: England vs. Denmark – Sydney Football Stadium
Sunday, 30 July: Germany vs. Colombia – Sydney Football Stadium
Wednesday, 2 August: Panama vs. France – Sydney Football Stadium
Sunday, 6 August: Round of 16: 1st in Group E vs. 2nd in Group G – Sydney Football Stadium
Monday, 7 August: Round of 16: 1st Group B vs. 2nd Group D – Stadium Australia
Saturday, 12 August: Quarter Final: Winner Match 6 vs. Winner Match 8 – Stadium Australia
Wednesday, 16 August: Semi-Final – Stadium Australia
Sunday, 20 August: Final – Stadium Australia
WHERE TO WATCH: LIVE SITES AND OPEN SCREENINGS IN SYDNEY
FIFA Fan Festival
The FIFA Fan Festival will bring together football fans, families and fun-seekers with a buzzing festival atmosphere where visitors can watch every match of the tournament live on the big screens. With live music performances from acts like Jessica Mauboy, delicious street food feasts, a football playground and the first FIFA Museum in Australia, there is something for everyone from July 20 at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour.
Inner West
Come together with other supporters to watch the Matildas games at multiple outdoor locations throughout the inner west. The opening fixture, which sees Australia take on Ireland, and the final will be shown at Camperdown Memorial Rest Park.
North West
The Matildas’ first match will be showcased on Thursday night from 6.00pm at Meadowbank Park, hosted by the City of Ryde Council. Their following round matches on July 27 against Nigeria and on July 31 against Canada, will be shown live on the big screen at Eastwood Plaza.
The Hills
Football fans are invited to cheer on the Matildas and enjoy every minute of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on a giant screen at Rouse Hill Town Centre‘s Market Square. During the Matildas games, there will also be dining offers from restaurants pre-game, food trucks during the game, face painting for the kids, activities with our local association Hills Football and tricks from the Football Freestylers.
Western Sydney
Almost every game of the tournament and every Matildas game will be shown live from Thursday at Parramatta Square alongside live sites hosted by Blacktown Council at the Warrick Lane precinct.
Eastern Suburbs
Women’s World Cup matches will be showcased at Bondi Pavilion in Waverley and Heffron Park at Maroubra for football fans in Sydney’s east.
North Sydney
North Sydney Council, Ku-ring-gai Council and Willoughby Council will be live streaming matches throughout the entire tournament at St Ives Village Green, North Sydney Oval and Chatswood Concourse.
WHERE TO WATCH: SYDNEY PUBS AND BARS
The Star’s Sports Bar
The Matildas’ opening match against Ireland on July 20 will be played live and loud on the big screen at The Star’s Sports Bar, ahead of the NRL match between The Dragons and West Tigers and the fourth Ashes cricket test match against Australia and New Zealand.
The Sports Bar will also play all Matildas pool matches against Nigeria on Thursday, July 27, and against Canada on Monday, July 31 on the big screen and will have soccer legends like Alex Tobin, Amy Harrison and Michelle Heyman join the festivities.
The Clock Surry Hills
The Clock in Surry Hills is showing every game of not just the Matildas, but of the whole tournament, live. However when the Matildas play, they are going the extra mile. They’ve teamed up with Tequila Patron and will be shouting free margaritas for the first goal they score
Laundy Hotels
All of publican giant Arthur Laundy’s hotels will be live screening Australia’s matches during the tournament.
While their sports pub The Locker Room at Sydney Olympic Park, will be hosting pop up events on the lawn for The Matildas opening match as well as during the finals of the tournament. This includes pop-up alfresco bars from 4pm, DJS and a BBQ menu which includes Beef Brisket Rolls, Chicken Skewers and the classic sausage sizzle.
Merivale Venues
All Matildas games will be played live and loud across Merivale venues including Queens Hotel, Enmore, Vic on the Park in Marrickville, The Royal in Bondi, The Dog in Randwick, The Alex in Alexandria, The Angel Hotel in the CBD and the Royal George in the CBD.
The York 75 is a classic sports bar inside Merivale’s Hotel CBD which has private booths where all games will be available.
Bankstown Sports Club
Bankstown Sports Club is going all in with the Rainforest Lounge featuring a massive 3m screen to play Matildas matches.
Cheers Bar
With 24-hour opening, plenty of screens, pub grub, a wide selection of drinks and a CBD location, Cheers Bar is always a popular destination for sports fans. The atmosphere will be electric during Matildas games, and fans and visitors from around the world are always welcome.
Barangaroo House
House Bar at Barangaroo House will have screens up and show all the games. With the Unity Pitch nearby along the waterfront, fans can expect Barangaroo to be filled with excited supporters throughout the tournament.
The Golden Sheaf
Double Bay’s The Golden Sheaf will be showing the action on its giant Sports Bar and Garden screens and offering a range of food and drink specials. Fans can book tables at this heritage-listed, Art Deco hotel for all football games by heading to the venue’s website.
Coogee Pavilion
With its stunning beachside location, the ever-popular Coogee Bay Hotel is a great place to catch the action live and loud. It’s showing all games in the Sports Bar and key games will be aired inside and on its huge TV in the garden.
Woollahra Hotel
Rich in tradition since the 1930s, The Woollahra Hotel is a local favourite in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. The big screens with be playing every match throughout the FIFA Women’s World Cup throughout the venue. Their Game Day Special during all matches is any burger (including their hugely popular Victor Churchill Beef Burger) and any beer for $30.
Forrester’s
Forrester’s has been proudly serving the Surry Hills neighbourhood for over 100 years, and will be screening all the games in their Public Bar & Art Room. With multiple TVs and big screens, a wide selection of local craft beers and Aussie wines, and a menu of pub classics, it’s the perfect place to catch all your favourite sporting fixtures.
The Marlborough Hotel
‘The Marly’ as it’s affectionately known by locals will be showing all Matildas games across the entire venue. You’ll find fried chicken, burgers, mains and snacks, plus plenty of plant-based options on the menu, so it’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat too.
Public House Petersham
With a large beer garden, delicious wood-fired pizzas and an extensive range of craft beers and wines, Public House Petersham is a great place to get together and watch the game. It will be playing every match upon request and fans can jump online to book a table in advance.
Rag & Famish Hotel is North Sydney’s oldest pub, with a courtyard, tasty pub grub and live games on its big screens. Check the pub’s schedule to see what’s on when and book a table.
The Oaks Hotel
Neutral Bay’s The Oaks Hotel is one of Sydney’s best-loved pubs and is made up of several venues in one. Taffy’s Sports Bar will be broadcasting the action and serving up a delicious winter menu, including pizzas and burgers, plus a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits, plus a tempting selection of cocktails and non-alcoholic options.
Hotel Steyne
Located right on Manly beach, Hotel Steyne has been welcoming locals and visitors since 1859. With a dedicated Sports Bar, plus a big screen in the courtyard for the big games, it’s a great spot to catch the action north of the Harbour Bridge.
4 Pines Truck Bar
MATILDAS WOMEN’S 2023 WORLD CUP SCHEDULE AND NEWS
Matildas’ FIFA Draw and Game Times
Thursday, 20 July: Group Stage – Australia vs. Republic of Ireland, 8pm at Stadium Australia.
Thursday, 27 July: Group Stage – Australia vs. New Zealand, 8pm at Suncorp Stadium.
Monday, 31 July: Group Stage – Australia vs. Canada, 8pm at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
LATEST MATILDAS NEWS
The Matildas have called on FIFA to even the prize pool for the Women’s World Cup, with the 2023 edition of the tournament sharing $110M, one quarter of the $440M on offer at the men’s tournament in 2022.
The 10th ranked Aussie squad have been given only an eight per cent chance of taking out the World Cup according to data from one of the world’s leading data and analytics firms.
The number of Australian players plying their trade in England continues to grow with another Matilda joining Sam Kerr and co in the “world’s best league”.
FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP SWEEP
Get your sweep poster here and take on your mates for bragging rights as the best female footballers on the planet battle for World Cup supremacy.
Be sure to print it out, stick it up or take it wherever you will be watching the games.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Gentoo penguins predict FIFA Women's World Cup Result
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