Why are the Matildas playing their Melbourne World Cup match at AAMI Park and not the MCG?

The Matildas face Canada in a do-or-die World Cup match in Melbourne, and with tickets sold out, many fans are asking why it’s not being played at the MCG?

The Matildas face Canada Monday night in a match they must win to avoid being dumped out of their home World Cup.

With tickets sold-out, Melbourne soccer fans are asking why it’s taking place at AAMI Park and not the MCG.

Where’s the match and when does it start?

The match takes place at AAMI Park this evening. Kick off is at 8pm.

What’s at stake?

A lot. The Matildas, who sit 10th in the world rankings, need to beat 7th-seed Canada to guarantee a place in the knockout rounds of the World Cup.

Can I grab a last-minute ticket?

Yes, but it will cost you. Only hospitality packages are available, starting at a hefty price of $909 each. All regular tickets are completely sold out, including on the official World Cup Resale website.

Sounds like they could have used a bigger venue. Why is the match being held at AAMI Park and not the MCG?

In short, blame it on FIFA. According to the organisers’ red tape, any World Cup venue must be available exclusively for the tournament from two weeks prior to the start of the tournament until one week after the last match held at that venue.

The Matildas played before a big crowd at Brisbane Stadium. Picture: Lachie Millard

What does that mean?

It means any stadium in the World Cup must be used for soccer, and only soccer, from mid-July to mid-August. In the middle of footy season, that made it impossible for the match to take place at the ‘G (or Marvel Stadium). AAMI Park was the only realistic option in Melbourne.

Would the match have even sold out the ‘G?

Probably. Over 50,000 fans flocked to Marvel to see the Matildas beat France 1-0 in a warm-up friendly earlier in July. This is the Matildas’ only World Cup match in Melbourne, and they have to win, so demand is huge. 86,174 people turned up at the ‘G to see the Aussie women win the 2020 Cricket World Cup. The Matildas could have drawn a similar crowd.

What is the capacity at AAMI Park?

AAMI Park can hold a crowd up to 30,000, compared with 100,024 at the MCG.