Moment the Matildas found out they would be hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup

This is the moment the Matildas learnt they would co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup with New Zealand.  

The trans-Tasman bid received 22 of the 35 valid votes from the FIFA Council overnight to beat Colombia for the showpiece event, which will take place between July and August 2023.

The tournament will be scheduled across 12 cities in Australia and New Zealand, with the opening match to be played at Eden Park in Auckland and the final in Sydney.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) officials and three Matildas stars gathered at FFA headquarters in Sydney during the early hours of Friday morning to livestream FIFA’s announcement. 

Chairman of Football Federation Australia Chris Nikou (centre) throws his arms into the air as FIFA announces Australia and New Zealand will host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup 

Matildas defenders Stephanie Catley (right) and Alanna Kennedy (left) embraced goalkeeper Lydia Williams (centre) in a three-way hug when they heard the good news

Matildas defender Alanna Kennedy (right) jumps from her chair and screams as the successful bid is announced

The group, who were in socially distanced seats, jumped from their chairs and erupted in cheers when their successful bid was confirmed. 

Matildas defenders Stephanie Catley and Alanna Kennedy embraced goalkeeper Lydia Williams in a three-way hug.

The trio, who were dressed in green Matildas uniforms, were joined by NZ Football Ferns defender Rebekah Stott as they celebrated.

The group all donned scarves which bear both FFA and New Zealand Football’s logos. 

In Auckland, Ferns stars Erin Walker, Hannah Wilkinson and Annalie Longo came together for the historic announcement.  

NZ Football Ferns Annalie Longo, Hannah Wilkinson and Erin Walker celebrate with wine in Auckland following the FIFA announcement

Chairman of Football Federation Australia Chris Nikou sighs as he waits for the announcement overnight

Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams looks serious as she waits in anticipation for the announcement in Sydney overnight

‘No words’: Matildas captain Sam Kerr posts an Instagram story following the announcement 

Matildas striker and captain Sam Kerr shared her excitement on Twitter, writing: ‘WE DID IT. WE FREAKING DID IT.’ 

FIFA president Gianni Infantino believes Australia and New Zealand are the perfect hosts to deliver the greatest ever Women’s World Cup.

‘There will be 32 countries unlike in France where we had 24 which means when you qualify for this event it is the biggest boost ever for women’s football,’ said Infantino.

‘We welcome that and I am sure we will have the best World Cup ever, in Australia and New Zealand.’

The joint bid outscored Colombia emphatically in the evaluation report which was submitted to the council members.

It scored 4.1 out of five and bettered the South Americans, who scored 2.9, in every criteria – stadiums, team and referee facilities, accommodation, International Broadcast Centre…