Australia, New Zealand join forces for 2023 Women's World Cup bid

Australia and New Zealand Friday launched a joint bid to host 2023 Women's World Cup, which officials said would help supercharge female sport in region. Governing body FIFA plans to increase number of teams to 32 for tournament from 24 at this year's event in France, and a two-country format would be able to better cope with extra fixtures, y said.

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"Australia and New Zealand have a successful history of both staging and co-hosting major international sporting events," said Australian Sports Minister Richard Colbeck. "We have infrastructure, expertise and enthusiasm to co-host FIFA Women's World Cup 2023." 

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He added that bringing tournament to Australia "strongly aligns with government's commitment to inspire more girls and women to participate in sport". Eight nations have expressed interest in hosting 2023 tournament, according to FIFA, with Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, South Korea and South Africa also in running. New Zealand Sports Minister Grant Robertson said joint bid, under slogan "As One", was an opportunity for two countries to showcase ir commitment to women's sport.

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"New Zealand and Australia are both countries that champion and celebrate women's sport, and it has been surprise to see football community, stadia, host cities and states across our two countries embrace this bid," he said.

"We kw New Zealand and Australia can work as a team to deliver something unique and world class, while also creating a legacy for women and for football in our countries and across Asia and Oceania." 

A decision on host is expected in May. 

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