FIFA have revealed the host cities for the 2023 Women's World Cup with Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Dunedin as the four New Zealand host cities.
Both Australia and New Zealand will also host one semifinal each with the full match schedule to be announced later this year. Stadium Australia in Sydney will host the final.
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth are the other Australian host cities.
Speaking on the selection FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: "The appointment of the 9 Host Cities represents a major milestone for the next FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, as well as for players and football fans across Australia, New Zealand and around the world.
"Building on the incredible success of France 2019 both on and off the pitch, the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 and 9 Host Cities across Australia and New Zealand will not only showcase the world's very best players, but will also provide a powerful platform to unite and inspire people, transform lives and create a lasting legacy for women's football in Australia and New Zealand and around the world."
President of New Zealand Football Johanna Wood said the legacy of the tournament starts now.
"It is a privilege to co-host the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023 with Australia and we look forward to welcoming the world's best athletes and their supporters to Aotearoa New Zealand."
"We have and will continue to work with our partners to deliver the biggest, most exciting and best tournament to date. The legacy of FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 starts now and will go on to leave a lasting impression on women's sport across both countries and the wider Asia-Pacific region."
Dunedin’s bid focused on the city’s proven experience in hosting major sporting tournaments and cultural events, emphasising the warm welcome teams and spectators will receive.
Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins said there was a large amount of work involved in the bid.
Dunedin Venues chief executive Terry Davies said he was thrilled Dunedin was selected as a host.
“Dunedin Stadium and Dunedin City have earned an international reputation for hosting world class events."
At this stage, no details on Dunedin specific match fixtures or teams have been released but will be provided in due course.
The host cities and stadiums for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 are:
- Adelaide – Hindmarsh Stadium
- Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau – Eden Park
- Brisbane – Brisbane Stadium
- Dunedin / Ōtepoti – Dunedin Stadium
- Hamilton / Kirikiriroa – Waikato Stadium
- Melbourne – Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
- Perth – Perth Rectangular Stadium
- Sydney – Stadium Australia and Sydney Football Stadium
- Wellington / Te Whanganui-a-Tara – Wellington Stadium
- Otago Daily Times and NZ Herald
