Huge audience expected for live broadcast of Women’s World Cup draw

More than 800 football followers will come to Auckland from all over the world to attend October’s draw for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

They will include the FIFA President and Secretary General, confederation presidents, international media, broadcast networks, representatives from the 32 teams, and commercial affiliates.

For many, it will be the first demonstration of the scale of the tournament to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The finals draw will be made at the Aotea Centre on October 22, 2022, attracting a global television audience for an hour-long live broadcast.

The broadcast will also showcase the venues for the tournament, promoting New Zealand and Australia and their host cities.

After the draw, about 120 officials representing the 32 participating nations will visit training centres and accommodation across the two countries.

New Zealand’s Sports Minister Grant Robertson said it would be a real privilege to have the draw for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Aotearoa.

“Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau will not only host the tournament’s opening ceremony and opening match featuring the Football Ferns on 20 July 2023, but will now also host the draw.

“The draw is an internationally significant event in its own right. It provides an opportunity for New Zealand and Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau to showcase our culture and traditions to a global audience.”

Main photo: FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura with players from Auckland United. Image: Auckland United.

Nine teams (China PR, Japan, Korea Republic, Philippines and Vietnam from Asia, and France, Spain, Sweden and Denmark from Europe) have already qualified for the finals, as well as the two host nations.

Qualifying tournaments will determine the 21 remaining places.

More football stories