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What restaurants and bars are near the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 venues?
Everything to know about the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Finals
The Matildas are one step closer to World Cup glory. Here’s how to get a kick out of the action around Melbourne.
This week, Australia’s Matildas are eyeing the top prize as they compete in the semi-final on Wednesday against England with hopes of brining home the World Cup on Sunday 20 August, 2023.
With the Matildas defying expectations through the semis, expect the city to reach fever pitch, with events celebrating Australia’s new favourite sporting team in and around the city.
From when and where to watch to how to get a ticket, here’s everything to know about the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Plan your journey to World Cup events around Melbourne with arevo.
All times listed are AEST unless otherwise stated. Times, dates, teams and venues subject to change.
This is the first time Australia has co-hosted the FIFA Women's World Cup with New Zealand. Image: Getty
Guide to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
What is the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 about?
The FIFA Women's World Cup is a global football tournament that brings together 32 of the best women's national soccer teams from around the globe.
Established in 1991, the FIFA Women's World Cup is hosted every four years. As the world’s most popular sport, the ninth edition of the women's soccer tournament is expected to be watched by more than two billion people worldwide.
Held every four years, it is the most prestigious competition in women's football, and one of the most popular and lucrative sporting competitions on Earth.
When is the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup?
Australia will play England in the semi-final on Wednesday 16 August at 8:00pm live in Sydney.
If they win, they will verse the winner of the Sweden vs Spain game played on Tuesday 15 August at 6:00pm, live in Auckland.
The World Cup Final will be taking place at 8:00pm on 20 August, 2023 at Sydney’s Accord Stadium.
Where is the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup taking place?
The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand, the first time the event has been co-hosted and held Down Under.
The tournament will be played across 12 venues in 10 cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Auckland, with the finals taking place in Sydney.
Can the team keep their winning streak for the World Cup? Image: Getty
What is FIFA?
FIFA stands for the 'Federation Internationale de Football Association'. They are the international governing body of football, overseeing all competitions, and are resposnsible for the governing, organising, and promotion of the sport and its events around the world.
What is the winning prize for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup?
They’re not just in it for kicks.
The winning team takes home $150 million in prize money, as well as the Cup itself, which is the most expensive trophy in the world and valued at approximately $29 million.
Who is in the Australian FIFA Women's World Cup team?
Previously known as the ‘female Socceroos,’ the Australian Women’s Soccer Association was founded in 1974, becoming known as the ‘Matildas’ from 1995. This year, their official slogans are both #WeAreMatildas and to celebrate welcoming the world to our shores, #AsOne.
They have won the Oceania Football Confederation Cup three times, played in the Olympics four times, and participated in the FIFA Women’s World Cup seven times, although they are yet to bring home the prize. Could 2023 be their year to shine?
The current team members named in the provisional squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup (subject to change) are:
- Manager / Coach: Tony Gustavsson
- Sam Kerr (captain)
- Steph Catley (vice-captain)
- Lydia Williams
- Teagan Micah
- Mackenzie Arnold
- Jada Mathyssen-Whyman
- Courtney Nevin
- Aivi Luik
- Clare Polkinghorne
- Ellie Carpenter
- Charlotte Grant
- Clare Hunt
- Alanna Kennedy
- Tameka Yallop
- Katrina Gorry
- Kyra Cooney-Cross
- Clare Wheeler
- Alex Chidiac
- Amy Sayer
- Emily van Egmond
- Chloe Logarzo
- Cortnee Vine
- Mary Fowler
- Hayley Raso
- Larissa Crummer
- Remy Siemsen
- Caitlin Foord
- Emily Gielnik
- Kyah Simon
The Matildas beat England in a friendly earlier this year - can they do it again? Image: Getty
Which countries are playing in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup?
This year marks the first time 32 women's teams are featured, with the previous 2019 event featuring just 24. The nations playing in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup are:
- Australia (co-hosts)
- New Zealand (co-hosts)
- China
- Japan
- Philippines
- South Korea
- Vietnam
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Canada
- Costa Rica
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Panama
- United States
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Denmark
- England
- France
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Republic of Ireland
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
When is Australia playing in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup?
The Matildas will play the semi-final. If they win, they will go through to the World Cup Final:
Wednesday, 16 August, 8:00 pm - Semi-final
Australia v England | Stadium Australia, Sydney
When and where is the final for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup?
The final will be held at Sydney’s Stadium Australia on Sunday 20 August, 2023 at 8:00pm.
Where can I watch the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup?
The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 will be broadcast on television, and online around the world.
The opening match, quarterfinals, semi-finals, and the final will be broadcast live and free on channels 7 and 7plus, with other matches being broadcast between 7 and Optus Sport.
Do the Tillies have what it takes to reach #1? Image: Getty
Where in Melbourne can I go to watch the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup for free?
If you missed out on a ticket, there are plenty of places to get in on Matildas soccer fever around the city for free.
Matches will be broadcast on both channel 7 / 7plus, and Optus Sport for those looking to watch from the comfort of the couch.
If you prefer a crowd atmosphere, you can head to:
- Federation Square. Head to ‘The FIFA Fan Festival,’ showcasing live matches alongside a plethora of performers, entertainment, food and drink offerings, kids activity workshops, and in-person panel discussions.
- AAMI Park is open and free for the first 12,000 people to arrive and watch the game on live screens around the venue.
- Bourke Street Green in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD will be hosting a viewing session of the World Cup semi-final live, with 15 per cent off during happy hour on selected beverages.
- The City of Greater Dandenong will be playing the semi-final on the big screen in Dandenong’s Harmony Square. If the Matildas make the World Cup Final, they will arrange free viewing at Steampacket Gardens.
- Many bars and pubs around the city will also be getting in on the action. From the Great Northern Hotel and Hotel Railway in the city’s north, to the Imperial and Crafty Squire in the CBD, you’re bound to find a TV screen showcasing the nation’s biggest sporting event of the season.
The team are gearing up for what might be the most-watched worldwide sporting event this year. Image: Getty
How do I buy tickets to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup?
Tickets for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup are available via the official tournament website, which has the most up to date information on ticket sales and pricing.
Is there a dress code for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup?
There is no official dress code for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Fans are encouraged to wear team colours, comfortable clothing and footwear, and to dress appropriately for the weather.
How do I get to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup venues?
The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 will be played across 12 venues in 10 cities across Australia and New Zealand.
Fans can use public transportation, taxis, or rental cars to get to the match and live streaming venues. You can plan your journey to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup events around the city with arevo.
RACV Members attending games outside of Melbourne can also check out exclusive deals on hotels and tour packages during their stay.
What is the official song or anthem for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup?
The official song for any World Cup is a huge coupe for any artist, with the event watched by an estimated 1.5 billion people. Think Cup of Life, Waka Waka or We Are the Champions, which were all previous World Cup official songs.
This year, the anthem is ‘Do It Again – BENEE ft. Mallrat,’ a collaboration between two artists from New Zealand and Australia respectfully. They will perform the song live at the Opening Ceremony on 20 July, 2023.
Is the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup suitable for children?
The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is a family-friendly event, and children of all ages are welcome to watch and attend. However, parents should be aware that the tournament may include loud noises, crowds, and other potential hazards.
We're hoping The Matildas have what it takes to bring home the FIFA Women's World Cup for 2023. Image: Getty
What restaurants and bars are near the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 venues?
If you're heading to AAMI Park or the city to watch the match on the big screen, you can look to grab a bite to eat nearby before the big game.
Try one of these classic Melbourne restaurants in the city and surrounds, or grab a tipple at one of these funky bars in the country's cultural capital.
You can enjoy both at Sojourn on new Chancery Lane, starting on share plates with a seasonal menu and heading to the rooftop for a classic cocktail, before heading down to watch on a big screen live at game time.
What hotels are near where the Melbourne FIFA Women's World Cup games are being played?
If you're heading into Melbourne during the 2023 Women's World Cup, RACV Members can rest their head at the RACV City Club, conveniently located within walking distance of all the big events at Federation Square and a short tram ride to the live viewing of the games at AAMI Park and pubs and bars around the city.
