WA has secured five group stage matches in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, while Matildas games and knockout matches will be held in the eastern states and New Zealand.
Western Australia has secured five group stage matches in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, while Matildas games and knockout matches will be held in the eastern states and New Zealand.
Perth, which is one of nine host cities in Australia and New Zealand, will host matches at HBF Park between July 22 and August 3.
The Matildas, who have been drawn in Group B, are scheduled to play in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
Perth, Dunedin and Hamilton are the only host cities to not have knockout games, with FIFA confirming the 64-match schedule this morning.
However, Football West chief executive James Curtis welcomed the announcement, noting there was a chance Perth could have missed out on the tournament altogether.
“To have five games across four different groups, with nine teams from across the world playing in our backyard, shows the growth of the world game in WA,” he said.
“With already record level growth of female footballers in WA, this tournament will inspire all parts of the community and ensure a legacy is created for years to come.
“This is also reward for a lot of people in WA football, government, Football Australia and elsewhere who have put in the hard yards to bring the event to Perth.”
Sport and Recreation Minister Tony Buti said securing five games was a good result for Perth.
"This is the arguably the third biggest sporting event in the world, and the biggest women's sporting event on the planet," he said.
“The ripple effect from hosting the tournament will be long lasting and will inspire grassroots players across WA, enhancing the sport at all levels."
Premier Mark McGowan said the tournament would be one of the biggest events ever held in the state, which also hosted the 2021 AFL Grand Final.
He said more than a billion people worldwide were expected to tune in over the course of the tournament.
HBF Park, located in East Perth, will undergo a $35 million refurbishment ahead of the Women's World Cup, with the pitch, lighting, bench areas, and power supply among the planned upgrades.
The funding also covers additional seating and facilities for players, media, and patrons.
Football West chairman Sherif Andrawes said the improvements would make the stadium even more impressive.
“And we know that the increased investment from all parts of the community will ensure benefits for players, coaches, officials and volunteers, including improved facilities at our community level,” he said.
Construction of the State Football Centre in Queens Park is also expected to be finished before the tournament, with teams in the Women's World Cup to use the centre's training facilities.
The 2023 tournament will run from July 20 to August 6, with FIFA to confirm pairings and kick-off times at the end of next year.
