13 Dec Australia and New Zealand launch historic joint Women's World Cup bid

Australia and New Zealand have announced they will submit co-confederation bid to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

If successful, it would be the first time the tournament has been hosted in the southern hemisphere.

Australia has spent several years drumming up support for the historic bid but after FIFA confirmed the tournament will include a record 32 teams in 2023, they joined forces to submit a joint bid.

FFA President Chris Nikou said the bid was an invaluable opportunity to unite Asia and Oceania and turbocharge significant investment in women’s football.

“As trusted members of FIFA, FFA and NZF are committed to hosting an excellent Women’s World Cup that delivers real benefits for the game not only during tournament time, but in the lead up to the competition and afterwards,” Nikou said in a statement.

“The decision to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, two leading nations in the promotion of women’s football and gender equality, will accelerate the game at both the grassroots and professional levels, lighting a path for future generations of footballers, administrators, and fans in Asia-Pacific.”

NZF President Johanna Wood praised the level of co-operation between both nations within a short period of time.

“The opportunity to partner, across not just member association boundaries but also confederation boundaries, represents a new level of cooperation for football,” she said.

“I would like to thank the team who have worked tirelessly to get our submission together which is no mean feat but, more importantly, demonstrates the strong relationship between our two nations and member associations.”

Separate bids from Colombia and Japan are considered Australia and New Zealand’s main rivals to winning hosting rights.

France hosted the tournament earlier this year, with the USA winning the title following weeks of record crowds and TV audiences around the world.

FIFA will award hosting rights to the 2023 Women’s World Cup in May 2020.