Australia and New Zealand have been selected as joint hosts of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 in a landmark decision by FIFA on Thursday.

More teams, revenue, fans

The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 will be groundbreaking in more ways than one way. It will be the first with 32 teams, up from the 24 nations who competed at last year's Finals in France, won by the United States. That means more matches and more revenue to be ploughed back into women's football.

The sports-mad host nations are expecting 1.5 million spectators, which would be another record, while prize money is set to be most ever offered, reflecting the growth of the game.

It will be the first women's World Cup co-hosted by cooperating nations and the first to take place in the southern hemisphere.

Why Australia and New Zealand?

The votes of FIFA council members saw Australia and New Zealand garnering 22 ayes to Colombia's 13.

It followed FIFA's evaluation report ranking Australia and New Zealand higher in stadiums, team and referee facilities, accommodation, commercial opportunities and competition-related event sites.

The two countries already have considerable experience in hosting major sporting events, with frantic last-minute lobbying, led by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, helping get the bid over the line.

How will it work?

The tournament will be played in 12 cities along Australia's famed coastline and across rugged New Zealand.

Four groups will be located in each country with the opening match scheduled for Auckland's legendary Eden Park - home to rugby heavyweights the All Blacks.

Quarters and semis will take place across both countries before the final at Sydney's ANZ Stadium, which hosted the opening ceremony of the 2000 Olympics when 110,000 people crammed in.

Match scheduling will likely involve lunchtime and evening kickoffs to cater for global audiences.

Does it make financial sense?

Australia and New Zealand's bid was the most commercially viable of the final three in contention, ranking above Japan - who withdrew out this week - and Colombia.

This was largely due to predicted record ticket sales and significant government support, with the two nations committed to contributing a combined Aus$110 million (US$76 million).

Sale of broadcast rights are expected to surge while Australia and New Zealand can expect a major boost in tourism revenues as they recover from the coronavirus pandemic. More than one billion people are expected to watch the event.

What will be the legacy?

Women's football has seen incredible growth over the past decade and FIFA recently doubled its investment in the women's game over the next four years to US$1 billion and has a goal of 60 million women playing globally by 2026.

A successful 2023 tournament is considered crucial to help further build its image and bolster participation. Football Federation Australia also sees the event as a driver for social change, creating role models for young girls and helping promote equal pay and gender equality.

AFP/AFC