Following our exploration of the arenas on the other side of the Tasman yesterday, today's focus shifts to the grand stadia on our very own shores here in Australia. As the tournament unfolds, the venerable Stadium Australia is slated to both kick off and culminate the proceedings Down Under. It will bear witness to the inaugural battle on Australian soil, featuring Australia squaring off against The Republic of Ireland, and it will have the honour of hosting the Final come August 20.

HINDMARSH STADIUM

OPENED: 1960

CAPACITY: 13,327

TOTAL FIXTURES: 5

The third-oldest stadium in Australia to host matches at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Stadium will be the venue for five matches throughout the tournament. Highlights include the clash between the Asian and European champions when Enlgnad takes on China, as well as a Round of 16 knockout match.

Home of the mighty Adelaide United since 2003, Hindmarsh Stadium is another venue that is no stranger to international football, having hosted a slew of games during the 2000 Olympics, including a fixture that saw one of the greatest midfielders to ever play the game, Xavi, grace its hallowed turf.

BRISBANE STADIUM

OPENED: 1914

CAPACITY: 46,851

FIXTURES: 8

In its 109th year, Brisbane Stadium will be the second-oldest stadium in Australia to host fixtures at this year's FIFA Women’s World Cup. The venue will play host to a mammoth eight fixtures, including five in the group stages where it will host tournament heavyweights England, Germany, Brazil and Australia. It will then go on to host three knockout phase fixtures including the playoff for third place. 

Opened all the way back in 1910, Brisbane Stadium is no stranger to international competition. The stadium has seen five Rugby World Cups in its time, including both the 2008 and 2017 Finals. It has also hosted games at the 2015 Asian Cup and the 1993 FIFA Under 20 World Cup as well.

PERTH RECTANGULAR STADIUM

OPENED: 1910

CAPACITY: 13,932

TOTAL FIXTURES: 5

Originally an oval stadium for the majority of its 113-year history, Perth Rectangular Stadium was repurposed for football in the early 2000s. The oldest stadium to be used at the tournament in Australia, it is located right near the iconic Swan River and has undergone redevelopment, especially for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and now has a stunning view of the Perth skyline.

Slated to host five group stage fixtures during the tournament, the pick of the bunch will certainly be the clash between European powerhouse Denmark and Asian Champions China. The Group F contest between Panama and Jamaica will also create a lot of buzz with neutrals too.

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MELBOURNE RECTANGULAR STADIUM

OPENED: 2010

CAPACITY: 24,870

TOTAL FIXTURES: 6

Melbourne likes to call itself the sporting capital of the world, and it will be front and centre during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. It will host action early on in the tournament as Canada takes on Nigeria, but most eyes will be on the matchday three clash between Australia and Canada that could possibly have huge implications on the final make-up of Group B.

Even though it's relatively young with less than 15 years of history under its belt, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium has already etched its name into the annals of Australian football. Serving as the fortress for each of the city's men's and women's A Leagues teams, it has effectively become a beacon of football in the region. Its credentials aren't limited to domestic play either; it has made a substantial mark on the international stage, having been the venue for an impressive seven fixtures during the 2015 Asian Cup.

SYDNEY FOOTBALL STADIUM

OPENED: 2022

CAPACITY: 38,841

TOTAL FIXTURES: 6

The other location in Sydney to host FIFA Women’s World Cup action is the Sydney Football Stadium. Sydney Football Stadium will be where the majority of group phase fixtures will occur in the Harbour City. It will host the mouthwatering clash between England and Denmark and will be Colombia’s home away from home during the competition, hosting two of its matches.

Erected on the exact location as its predecessor bearing an identical name, the Sydney Football Stadium represents the newest stadium in the roster of venues hosting matches throughout Australia and New Zealand. This state-of-the-art arena serves as the proud home turf for the local A Leagues titan, Sydney FC, and equally plays host to the exploits of the renowned National Rugby League team, the Sydney Roosters.

STADIUM AUSTRALIA

OPENED: 1999

CAPACITY: 69,314

TOTAL FIXTURES: 5

As we mentioned in our intro to this article, Stadium Australia will open the tournament Down Under when it hosts Australia's clash against The Republic of Ireland. That will be the only group stage clash Stadium Australia will host, as it comes into prominence during the knockout phase, hosting a match in each knockout round. It will also be the venue for the tournament decider.

Stadium Australia enjoys a venerated status as a leading venue in the world of football, across all codes. It proudly boasts the record for the most spectators at a Matildas game, having witnessed an astonishing 36,109 fans cheer on their team against the USA in 2021. The record-breaking feats of this iconic arena don't stop there, as it also holds the distinction of hosting the most attended Olympic football match in history. This historical moment transpired during the 2000 Olympics when a staggering 104,240 spectators filled its stands to witness the final of the men’s competition between Cameroon and Spain.

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