In yet another sign of the growing popularity of women’s sport in Australia, the Matildas’ World Cup opener against Ireland has been moved to Accor Stadium in Sydney.
The game was initially set to be played at the recently-renovated Allianz Stadium in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, which holds just over 45,000 spectators.
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However, the shift to Accor Stadium, which will be known as Stadium Australia during the tournament, means up to 40,000 more football fans will get to take in the historic occasion on July 20.
Before today’s announcement, the Homebush venue was set to host only knockout games but such was the demand for tickets that FIFA was left with no choice but to move the game.
Football Australia CEO James Johnson couldn’t hide his delight at the venue change for the momentous occasion as it provides further evidence why the Matildas are “one of Australia’s most loved sporting teams.”
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“It’s very exciting news,” Johnson said.
“The move from Sydney Football Stadium to Stadium Australia is big for Australian football and highlights the confidence which we have in the Matildas to draw a huge crowd for the first match of the tournament in Australia.
“This is a major worldwide competition, and it really places Australia and New Zealand right at the heart and the centre of world football for a month. As we witnessed in 2022, these competitions transcend sport and really bring the Australian community together.
“This move, which Football Australia strongly advocated for, completely aligns with our positioning of the Matildas as one of our two iconic national teams and one of Australia’s most loved sporting teams. It will ensure that more people can now be a part of the opening match of the CommBank Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
The Aussies’ clash against Ireland is almost certain to break the attendance record for a Matildas match, which currently stands at 36,109.
Tickets to the game will go on sale on Feburary 24 at 12pm AEDT, with fans who have already purchased tickets set to be sent updated ones with new seating arrangements at the larger venue.
