Australia And New Zealand To Host 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

The joint bid saw off competition from Colombia, who were the only remaining contenders after Brazil and Japan withdrew their candidacy earlier on.

Australian and New Zealand got 22 of the votes cast by FIFA’s council members, with Colombia receiving 13 votes.

The 2023 Women’s World Cup will be expanded from 24 sides to 32 for the first time and will take place between July and August.

"FFA and NZF would like to thank the FIFA Council for their landmark decision, which will see the two countries host a tournament of firsts ─ the first ever co-confederation hosted FIFA World Cup, the first ever FIFA Women's World Cup to be held in the Asia-Pacific region, and the first ever to be held in the southern hemisphere," the FFA and NZF said in a statement after the announcement.

"A player-centric tournament, Australia-New Zealand promises to deliver record-breaking crowds and long-term participation growth, bringing football together 'As One' to celebrate the women's game.

"FFA and NZF would also like to thank the Australian and New Zealand governments, Matildas' and Football Ferns' fans and the entire football family who have supported the bid from the outset, as well as the bidding team who worked tirelessly to develop a bid that will unlock the untapped football potential of the Asia-Pacific region."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: "The bidding process was highly competitive. We would like to thank both of the bidders for their remarkable work. It was really, really well prepared."

USA are the defending champions of the Women’s World Cup.