Sam Kerr’s Matildas to play three Olympics qualifiers in Perth later this year
2023 is shaping up as the year Perth really falls in love with football, with news this morning that Australia’s national women’s soccer team will play three Olympics Qualifier matches at HBF Park in October/November.
The matches, part of the Asian qualifying rounds for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, will showcase the talent of the Matildas and provide an opportunity for fans to cheer on the likes of Perth-born Sam Kerr, who also captains the team.
“The WA Government is thrilled to bring the Matildas to Perth for these three Olympic Qualifier matches, which will drive thousands of out-of-state visitors to WA to spend millions of dollars in our tourism and hospitality businesses,” said Tourism Minister Roger Cook.
“And [it] will showcase our beautiful State to a global audience through televised broadcasts and through the social media of world-famous players.”
The recently launched direct flight between Perth and Manila is anticipated to facilitate the travel of thousands of fans who wish to witness the matches firsthand.
It marks the second time the Matildas play in Perth, following a friendly match against Thailand in 2018, which saw an outpouring of support from passionate football fans.
The upcoming Round 2 qualifiers promise even more excitement, with six games taking place in Perth overall, across three thrilling double-header days:
- Thursday 26 October: Australia vs. Iran, Chinese Taipei vs. Philippines
- Sunday 29 October: Iran vs. Chinese Taipei, Philippines vs. Australia
- Wednesday 1 November: Australia vs. Chinese Taipei, Philippines vs. Iran
The news comes on the eve of the the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand, which will feature matches in July and August at Perth Rectangular Stadium.
General public tickets for the Matildas matches will be available soon via matildas.com.au.
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