The Matildas’ Road To The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final

With the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup approaching the final two round of 16 matches, Australia has punched its ticket to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2015.

Despite the absence of Sam Kerr until the 79th minute of the Matildas’ 2-0 victory against Denmark, Australia’s winning streak has only been interrupted once this entire tournament by a 2-3 defeat to Nigeria.

But which countries are standing in our way on the path to victory? And more importantly, can we go all the way to the final?

RELATED: Sam Kerr Joins IWC Ahead Of A Massive FIFA Women’s World Cup

Currently, the Matildas are awaiting the result of this afternoon’s game between France and Morocco to determine who they’re playing next. With France’s only blemish being a 0-0 draw against Jamaica, offset by wins against both Panama and Brazil, they’re likely to best the Moroccan side, who have beaten South Korea and Colombia 1-0 (but were defeated 0-6 by Germany).

If France does indeed beat Morocco, the Matildas will enter the quarter-finals with a bit of confidence, given they made light work of Les Bleues during a friendly match back in July. Previous to that, the Matildas faced France in 2014.

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On the other side of the draw, England is currently awaiting the winner of this afternoon’s Colombia and Jamaica match (with Colombia being the narrow favourite). Assuming Colombia beats Jamaica and England then goes on to beat Colombia in the next round, England will play in the semi-final match with the winner of France vs Australia. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.

A spot in the semi-final against England would be the best-ever FIFA World Cup result for the Matildas. England has beaten both Haiti and Denmark 1-0 so far in the tournament with a convincing win 6-1 against China and a nervous win over Nigeria 4-2 on penalties. If Australia does play England in the semi-final, it’s fair to say the Matildas won’t be going into the match as favourites; bookmakers currently picking England as most likely to win the overall tournament in 2023.

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If (and that’s a big if) Australia does beat England in the semi-final, we’d be through to the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and likely to play against either Japan or Spain — both of whom are tipped to beat Sweden and the Netherlands respectively on Friday. Japan has only conceded a single goal so far this tournament (while kicking 14) and Spain has had a great run also, only losing to Japan in the group stages.

By this Saturday night, we’ll have a better understanding of how far Australia might progress in the tournament. But in the meantime, we’ll be watching as many games as we can.

If you’ve missed the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup so far, check out below for how the tournament works and how you can watch it. There are lots of ways to get involved with the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup… be it from the comfort of your own couch, a pub, or live at the stadiums. So let’s get into the details of the event.

Which Countries Are Competing And How Does It Work?

In total, there are 32 teams playing, divided into eight groups of four teams. The teams and groups were selected from the FIFA Women’s World Rankings as of October 13, and the group stage of the event will play out over two weeks, before the knock-out finals stage.

Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and Nigeria form Group B; while Group A contains New Zealand, Norway, Philipines, and Switzerland. The reigning champions are the United States, who are grouped with Vietnam, the Netherlands, and Portugal… the latter of whom are hoping to repeat their feat from 2019.

Which Teams Are Best Placed To Win?

The United States is going into the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as firm favourites, having won the previous two editions and having won the most number of World Cups with four victories.

Despite never having won a Women’s World Cup before, England is also a favourite thanks to their recent form of winning the European Championships — the first major victory for the nation since 1966.

Other teams to watch will include Japan, Germany, and Norway, who have all found World Cup success in the past. Additionally, at the drawing up of the teams featured in this World Cup, the other top ten teams in the world included Sweden, France, Spain, Canada, the Netherlands, Brazil, and Korea DPR.

Australia was ranked 13th at the time and has since improved its ranking to 10th in the world, showing an encouraging improvement in form. While Sam Kerr will play a critical role for the Matildas, another player to watch is Mary Fowler, who was the youngest player at the 2019 World Cup at 16 years old, and has since earned 30 caps for Australia. Fowler currently plays for Manchester City.

Where Will The Women’s World Cup Be Played And How Can I Watch In Australia?

Live

The tournament will run from July 20th until August 20th when the final will be played, and the champions crowned.

With a total of ten stadiums that the tournament will be played across, you’re in luck if you live near the following.

• Brisbane Stadium (Suncorp Stadium), Australia
• Hindmarsh Stadium (Coopers Stadium Adelaide United FC), Australia
• Melbourne Rectangular Stadium (AAMI Park), Australia
• Perth Rectangular Stadium (HBF Park), Australia
• Stadium Australia (Accor Stadium), Australia
• Sydney Football Stadium (Allianz Stadium), Australia
• Dunedin Stadium (Forsyth Barr Stadium), New Zealand
• Eden Park, New Zealand
• Waikato Stadium (FMG Stadium Waikato), New Zealand
• Wellington Regional Stadium (Sky Stadium), New Zealand

For a full breakdown of the fixture if you’re keen on supporting the Matildas live, find it here.

Broadcast Coverage

Coverage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be on channels Seven, Seven Mate, Seven+, and Optus Sport.

While not every game will be played on Seven’s various channels, they will obviously be broadcasting every Australian game.

For coverage of every single match of the tournament, make sure you’re subscribed to Optus Sport.

Special Events & Venues

Throughout the entire World Cup, dozens of venues will be hosting events for punters to enjoy the action. If you’re keen to head down to the pub for a bit more atmosphere than your living room delivers, check out the list below.

Sydney

CBD and Inner-City

• FIFA Fan Festival – The FIFA Fan Festival™ will bring together football fans, families and fun-seekers with a buzzing festival atmosphere where visitors can watch EVERY match of the tournament live on the big screens. With live music performances from acts like Jessica Mauboy, delicious street food feasts, a football playground and the first FIFA Museum in Australia, there is something for everyone from 20^th July at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour.
• Cheers Bar – With a 24-hour licence, plenty of screens, pub grub, a wide selection of drinks and a CBD location, Cheers Bar is always a popular destination for sports fans. The atmosphere will be electric during Matildas’ games, and fans and visitors from around the world are always welcome.
• The Star Sydney 24/7 Sports Bar – The Star’s 24/7 Sports Bar is a popular location to watch live football action and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is likely to be no exception. There are more than 50 LCD TVs, a huge LED screen, and a menu featuring plenty of hearty American-inspired pub favourites.
• York 75 – This classic sports bar is located right in the heart of the CBD on, you guessed it, York Street. With private booths, personal LED screens, drinks offers and plenty of pub grub, York 75 could be just what you’re looking for.
• Barangaroo House – House Bar at Barangaroo House will have screens up and will be showing all the games. With the Unity Pitch nearby along the waterfront, fans can expect Barangaroo to be filled with excited supporters throughout the tournament.

Eastern Suburbs

• The Royal Hotel Paddington – Nestled in the heart of Paddington, The Royal Hotel is renowned for its warm hospitality. With multiple screens and a great vibe, fans can immerse themselves in football action while savouring delicious pub-style food and refreshing drinks.
• The Golden Sheaf – Double Bay’s The Golden Sheaf will be showing the action on its giant Sports Bar and Garden screens while offering a range of food and drink specials. Fans can book tables at this heritage-listed, Art Deco hotel for all football games by heading to the venue’s website.
• Coogee Bay Hotel – With its stunning beachside location, the ever-popular Coogee Bay Hotel is a great place to catch the action live and loud. It’s showing all games in the Sports Bar, and key games will be aired inside and on its huge TV in the garden.
• Woollahra Hotel – Rich in tradition since the 1930s, The Woollahra Hotel is a local favourite in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. The big screens with be playing every match throughout the FIFA Women’s World Cup throughout the venue. Their Game Day Special during all matches is any burger (including their hugely popular Victor Churchill Beef Burger) and any beer for $30.

• Clock Hotel – The Clock in Surry Hills will be screening every Matildas game live with free margaritas for the first Matildas goal scored across every match. To be eligible, you need to complete the form online, show your confirmation email (or a screenshot of it) to staff on arrival and collect your wristband, then when they score show your wristband.
• Forrester’s – Forrester’s has been proudly serving the Surry Hills neighbourhood for over 100 years and will be screening all the games in their Public Bar & Art Room. With multiple TVs and big screens, a wide selection of local craft beers and Aussie wines, and a menu of pub classics, it’s the perfect place to catch all your favourite sporting fixtures.

Inner West

• The Marlborough Hotel – ‘The Marly’ as it’s affectionately known by locals will be showing all the Matildas’ games across the entire venue. You’ll find fried chicken, burgers, mains and snacks, plus plenty of plant-based options on the menu, so it’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat too.
• Public House Petersham – With a large beer garden, delicious wood-fired pizzas and an extensive range of craft beers and wines, Public House Petersham is a great place to get together and watch the game. It will be playing every match upon request and fans can jump online to book a table in advance.
• Outdoor screenings – Come together with other supporters to watch the Matildas games at multiple outdoor locations throughout the inner west. The opening fixture, which sees Australia take on Ireland, and the final will be shown at Camperdown Memorial Rest Park. 

North Sydney and Northern Beaches

• Rag & Famish – Rag & Famish Hotel is North Sydney’s oldest pub, with a courtyard, tasty pub grub and live games on its big screens. Check the pub’s schedule to see what’s on when and book a table.
• The Oaks Hotel – Neutral Bay’s The Oaks Hotel is one of Sydney’s best-loved pubs and is made up of several venues in one. Taffy’s Sports Bar will be broadcasting the action and serving up a delicious winter menu, including pizzas and burgers, plus a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits, plus a tempting selection of cocktails and non-alcoholic options.
• Hotel Steyne – Located right on Manly Beach, Hotel Steyne has been welcoming locals and visitors since 1859. With a dedicated Sports Bar, plus a big screen in the courtyard for the important games, it’s a great spot to catch the action north of the Harbour Bridge.
• 4 Pines Truck Bar – Head over to this popular Northern Beaches brewery’s HQ in Brookvale for a huge selection of craft beers, brewed right next to where you’re drinking them. The Truck Bar kitchen has a range of food options, including burgers, bowls, subs and buffalo wings, plus foosball and that all-important big screen. 

Melbourne

CBD and Inner-City

• Crafty Squire, 127 Russell Street, Melbourne
• Imperial Bourke Street, 2-8 Bourke Street, Melbourne
• Prince Alfred Hotel, 619 Church Street, Richmond
• College Lawn, 36 Greville Street, Prahran
• Richmond Club Hotel, 100 Swan Street, Richmond
• The Posty, 90 Swan Street, Richmond
• Beer Deluxe Fed Square, Federation Square, Flinders Street, Melbourne
• The Duke, 146 Flinders Street, Melbourne

So if you’re keen on supporting the Matildas all the way, from the pub to pitch-side, there are plenty of ways to watch and get involved with the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.