New Zealand to host FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ Draw

Published: 13 May 2022

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson and FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura have announced that Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau will host the Draw for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ at the Aotea Centre on Saturday 22 October 2022.

The Draw will reveal the match fixtures for the 32 teams competing in next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup and which country they will be based in for their group-stage matches. It will also include cultural performances and insights on the 4 Aotearoa New Zealand and 5 Australian host cities that will welcome teams and football fans next year.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment’s General Manager Tourism, Heather Kirkham says hosting the Draw is a real win for Aotearoa New Zealand.

“The Draw is the main event in the build-up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ and is an internationally significant event. It will be attended by well-known figures in the football world and broadcast to millions across the globe, presenting an exciting opportunity for us as a host nation to showcase Aotearoa New Zealand to the world,” says Heather.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup is the largest women’s sporting event in the world and next year’s event will be the biggest yet, with 32 teams taking part for the first time – the same as the men’s tournament – reflecting the huge growth in the women’s game.

“Hosting an event of this magnitude puts New Zealand front and centre on the world stage and will generate significant social and economic benefits for New Zealand and leave a lasting legacy for football in this country.

“The Draw will give New Zealanders a first glimpse of the sheer scale of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and what can be expected when the tournament kicks off in July next year.”

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ is taking place from 20 July to 20 August next year and is the first time the tournament has been co-hosted by 2 FIFA confederations (Asia and Oceania).

Aotearoa New Zealand will host 16 teams (including the New Zealand Football Ferns) and 29 games including the much-anticipated opening game and opening ceremony, 2 quarter-finals and a semi-final – a total of 24 group matches and 5 knock-out matches.

Find out more about the Draw announcement on the FIFA website:

Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau to host the Draw for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ in October(external link) — FIFA

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