The biggest stage for women’s football is set, and it’s right here in the River City. The largest global sporting event in the world, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, is heading for Australia and New Zealand – and Brisbane is among the host cities welcoming the most talented players in the world.

Want to be a part of the action? This is your perfect excuse to book that holiday to Brisbane – and perhaps explore a little more of Queensland while you’re here.

Held every four years, the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ sees 32 nations compete on the international stage for the Champions title. The ninth edition of the tournament will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, with a record-high 64 matches to be played across 10 different stadiums and 9 cities.

Brisbane will host 8 FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 games over July and August, including one Matildas game – your opportunity to watch Australia’s home-grown heroes in action.

Match dates to mark in your calendar:

• England v. Haiti - Saturday, 22 July 2023
• Australia v. Nigeria - Thursday, 27 July 2023
• France v. Brazil - Saturday, 29 July 2023
• Republic of Ireland v. Nigeria - Monday, 31 July 2023
• Korea Republic v. Germany - Thursday, 3 August 2023
• Round of Sixteen (1D v. 2B) - Monday, 7 August 2023
• Quarter-Final - Saturday, 12 August 2023
• Third Place Final - Saturday, 19 August 2023

Tickets packages are on sale now. Family-friendly prices start at AUD$20 for adults and $10 for kids. 

Where to watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ semi-final in Queensland

Football fever has well and truly swept the nation, as the Matildas prepare to step onto the pitch at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ for a history-making match against England in the semi-finals at 8pm this Wednesday 16 August. If you want to get amongst the action, Brisbane is rolling out the green and gold across Southbank with the FIFA Fan Festival bringing all the vibes from 12pm. There will also be big screens broadcasting the game at Rainforest Green, Cultural Forecourt, Flowstate Precinct and River Quay Green at Southbank - these venues will all be accessible from 2pm. Over at Riverstage you can throw down a blanket from 5pm, or head to King George Square in the CBD to see the Tillies on the big screen above the Pig & Whistle from 7:30pm. Over at Howard Smith Wharves, the game will be live and loud inside Felons Barrel Hall and outside on the Rivergarden screen.

Across the state you can join viewing parties at the Sunshine Coast Stadium; the Jezzine Barracks in Townsville; waterfront on The Esplanade in Cairns; at Tulmur Place in Ipswich; at the Foreshore outdoor cinema in Airlie Beach; Mossman Showgrounds and Dixie Park in Port Douglas and on the Surfers Paradise foreshore on the Gold Coast.

Brisbane Stadium is located in Milton, just 3 km from the Brisbane CBD and 15 km from Brisbane Airport.

As with most Brisbane events, public transport is the best and cheapest way to get to the stadium during FIFA Women’s World Cup. In fact, it’s free with your ticket on all Queensland Rail City Network (excluding Airtrain) and all Transport for Brisbane bus services. Simply present your game day ticket to rail and bus staff as you board their services. You can plan your trip with Translink Journey Planner. For accessibility transport, drop off and parking options, head here.

Where to eat and drink near Brisbane Stadium

Nestled on the edge of inner-city suburbs Milton and Paddington, and bordering bustling Caxton Street, there are nearly endless places to eat and drink near the stadium.

Restaurants and cafes

Hungry? Head to Given Terrace in Paddington, where restored weatherboard houses and workers cottages are now converted into trendy eateries. While those from all over the city will journey here to dine, Paddington retains a decidedly local feel. Particularly if you grab brunch at Anouk or a latte from Lil Gypsy’s caravan. Other notable spots on this stretch of high street include Vietnamese at Ngon, café and bar fare at neighbourhood haunt Kettle & Tin, and modern European bistro NOTA – it feels refined yet unpretentious, and boasts a wine list that’ll tempt you to open more than one bottle.

Follow Given Terrace toward the city and you’ll quickly happen upon what’s arguably the busiest precinct before and after events at Brisbane Stadium: Caxton Street. And it has options for fine diners alongside those after a quick bite.

Family-owned Gambaro’s has been among Brisbane’s best seafood restaurants for over 60 years, and their adjacent restaurant Black Hide Steakhouse is another upscale option for those looking to feast during FIFA.

Here you’ll also find The Barracks Shopping Centre, home to plenty of fast-eat options if you want something super quick before the match.

Pubs and bars

Want to throw back a schooner full of Queensland flavour before the excitement of kick-off? Just moments from the stadium is iconic XXXX Beer – home of the ‘Milton Mango’ where you can take a tour or sample a drop. If your tastes swing more towards craft beer, stop for a local independent brew at Newstead Brewing Co, just steps from the stadium entrance on Castlemaine St. It’s one of the many famous faces of Brisbane’s booming craft beer scene.

Game day and after-dark is when Brisbane’s Caxton St truly comes into its own. You’ve got more local brews and vegan-friendly bites at Brewski, along with popular drinking holes Caxton Hotel, The Lord Alfred and The Bavarian at The Barracks. Try newcomer, Caxton Street Brewing Co for a local ale or take a wander for bars like Darling & Co or Hope & Anchor who promise plenty of fun.

Kicking on? Catch live tunes at Lefty’s Music Hall, where whisky apples are synonymous with a good time. If you’re after a more local spot, wander into Warehouse25 – described as an inclusive, creative sanctuary, it’s home to dining, its own gin distillery, and a steady DJ line-up for some of Brisbane’s best electronic nights.  

Get out and explore more of Brisbane’s flavours at the city’s best restaurants and bars.

Where to stay in Brisbane during FIFA Women’s World Cup

Brisbane Stadium is quite central, so the city is your oyster when it comes to choosing Brisbane accommodation during the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Roma Street, North Quay, South Bank and Brisbane City hotels are all within easy reach of the stadium, and there’s something to suit all budgets.

Those who want to stay right in the action should do so at Gambaro Hotel, the 5-star spot that often becomes home to the biggest stars in entertainment who come to perform stadium shows.

W Hotel and Pullman Brisbane King George Square both offer modern, luxury accommodation and their own rooftop bars - because what can beat sightseeing with a cocktail in hand? Hyatt Regency takes sky-high drinks poolside on the doorstep of bustling Queen Street Mall, while voco Brisbane City Centre is a great North Quay hotel right on Brisbane River.  

Backpacker hostels including Brisbane City YHA and City Backpackers are also a short stroll away from Brisbane Stadium, as are a host of family-friendly apartment hotels. 

What to do while you’re in town

Whether you’re coming to Brisbane for the first time for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, or you’re returning to the River City, you’ll discover something new here.

Here are a few of our favourite things to do in Brisbane:

• Explore South Bank and the Cultural Centre
• Work your way through this list of iconic Brisbane experiences
• Go in search of street art
• Take a dip at the beach
• Keep the kids entertained with wildlife parks, craft and horse riding
• Soak up nightlife in Fortitude Valley
• Take a day trip to Moreton Island or the Scenic Rim

Have a little extra time on holidays after the FIFA Women’s World Cup? Queensland is waiting to be explored.