On Saturday, 27 November, Sydney’s Stadium Australia will host the USA on Australian soil for the first time in 21 years, with the return matchup scheduled for McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Tuesday, 30 November.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said a Matildas attendance record in Australia was an exciting prospect.
“NSW has led the return of international sport with two great unbeaten performances by the Matildas against Brazil. More than ever, Sydney’s sports fans will now no doubt be eager to set a new attendance record for one of our nation’s most loved teams against the world’s best at a world-class venue like Stadium Australia,” Mr Ayres said.
“Through our tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, the NSW Government is focused on investing in world-class events like this to deliver on our goal of becoming the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.
“I am delighted Newcastle will also host the first major event in regional NSW following the swift progress of the COVID-19 reopening roadmap. Novocastrians are renowned sports fans and these events are vital to our regions’ social and economic recovery.”
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said NSW was delighted to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 Champions.
“NSW is undoubtedly the jewel in Australia’s sporting crown and we are especially thrilled to be showcasing elite women’s competition in Sydney and Newcastle,” Mrs Ward said.
“Fans can look forward to another exciting series between two of the best teams in women’s football and I can’t wait to see our women take on the USA in a taste of what’s to come with the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.”
Football Australia CEO James Johnson said the ongoing partnership with the NSW Government has been a real boost for the nation’s sports-starved fans.
“We once again thank the NSW Government for collaborating with us to continue to bring our national teams home to play in front of Australian fans.
We also welcome American fans in Australia to celebrate with us during their Thanksgiving week celebrations. What better way to celebrate, than going to cheer on their national team!” Mr Johnson said.
Australia and USA have enjoyed a recent healthy rivalry, including a Bronze Medal match at the Tokyo Olympics, and with stadium capacity restrictions due to be lifted from 8 November the previous record of 33,000 for a Matildas match in Australia – set against Sweden at the 2000 Sydney Olympics – is under threat.
Tickets for the games go on sale to the public from 9 November through Ticketek (Sydney) and Ticketmaster (Newcastle).