Australia's bid to host the tournament has been strengthened by bi-partisan support for the idea, in addition to the Matildas' dominant form in 2017, rising to number four in the FIFA women's rankings. 

FFA Chief Executive Officer, David Gallop said the Matildas have become Australia's favourite team over the past year, and hosting the tournament would be positive for Australia's economy. 

“We welcome the partnership of the Australian Government in our bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 and thank the Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull and his ministerial colleagues for the strong support they have provided,” Gallop said.

“I think it’s fair to say that the Westfield Matildas have become Australia’s favourite team over the past year and they are inspiring girls and boys around the country to take up football, which is already the biggest participation sport in Australia.

“We believe that hosting the world’s biggest women’s sporting event, the FIFA Women’s World Cup, would bring enormous benefits to the Australian community, not only promoting healthy, active lifestyles but inclusion and gender equality.

“We also believe hosting the tournament in 2023 would provide economic benefits and years of trade and diplomatic opportunities for Australia.  The last FIFA Women’s World Cup, hosted by Canada in 2015, was attended by 1.35 million people and had a global television audience of 764 million, with 80 million of those in China.”