Matildas’ opening Women’s World Cup match moved to Accor Stadium to cater for more fans

Football Australia has got its wish in having the Matildas’ opening FIFA Women’s World Cup match switched to a bigger venue.

Accor Stadium is the new venue for the Matildas’ opening match of this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup against Ireland on July 20.

The match was to be played at the 45,000-capacity Allianz Stadium, however the switch has been made to the Homebush venue, which caters for more than 82,000 spectators.

Football Australia lobbied FIFA to move the match to allow more fans to watch the game such has been the demand for tickets.

Sam Kerr and the Matildas are switching venues for their FIFA Women’s World Cup opener. Picture NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

“It’s very exciting news,” FA chief executive officer James Johnson said.

“The move from Sydney Football Stadium (Allianz Stadium) to Stadium Australia (Accor Stadium) is big for Australian football and highlights the confidence which we have in the Matildas to draw a huge crowd for the first match of the tournament in Australia.

“The move, which Football Australia strongly advocated for, completely aligns with our positioning of the Matildas as one of our two iconic national teams, and one of Australia’s most loved sporting teams.

“It will ensure that more people can now be a part of the opening match of the Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

“We want this match to set the tone for the rest of the tournament.”

Co-hosts New Zealand are also playing on July 20, the first day of the tournament, against Norway in Auckland.

FIFA secretary-general Fatma Samoura said: “We have taken a decision that will allow over 100,000 fans to attend the opening matchday, providing more opportunities for supporters to engage with the FIFA Women’s World Cup, as a month of football we will never forget gets underway.”

Tickets already bought for Allianz Stadium for Australia’s first match of the tournament will remain valid for Accor Stadium.