Australia, NZ to host 2023 Women's World Cup
Soccer fans down under had plenty to celebrate early on Friday (June 26) as Australia and New Zealand were named joint hosts for the 2023 Women's World Cup.
The 2023 tournament will have 32 teams instead of the usual 24, and will be the first Women's World Cup held in the Southern hemisphere.
Australian player Steph Catley was one of those shocked and elated by the news.
"But you know, being able to scream and shout and hug them at the end for a winning bid it was just the best feeling in the world."
In Thursday's announcement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said along with expanding the number of competing teams, the Council would seek more ways to invest in growing women's soccer.
The 2019 Women's World Cup in France was hailed as a watershed moment for global interest in the game.
"Women's football is crucial for FIFA. It is so important that we have decided, the FIFA Council has decided, to award one billion U.S. dollars in the development of women's football in the coming four years."
The two countries beat out a competing bid from Colombia by a comfortable margin in Thursday's FIFA Council vote.
Japan, which also made a bid to stage soccer's biggest tournament, dropped out on Monday after they ranked below Australia and New Zealand's joint bid.
In a joint statement, Australian leader Scott Morrison and his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern promised the quote "largest... and best Women's World Cup" ever staged.
