Football Australia’s Legacy ’23: A Closer Look at the Economic Impact of the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup

The 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup held in Australia has proven to be a massive success not only in terms of sporting achievement but also in terms of economic impact and societal benefits. Football Australia recently released its Legacy’ 23 post-tournament report, revealing that the tournament generated an impressive AUS$1.32 billion (US$865.7 million) in economic impact for the co-host nation.

One of the significant benefits highlighted in the report is the decrease in healthcare costs by AUS$324 million (US$212.5 million) due to increased physical activity in society. With almost two million people attending the competition’s games in-person and 86,654 international visitors in attendance, the World Cup has not only brought joy to fans but also boosted the local economy.

Furthermore, co-hosting the tournament has allowed Football Australia to unlock more than AUS$398 million (US$261 million) in federal and state government funding for Legacy ’23 related initiatives. This funding will undoubtedly help in further developing women’s soccer in the country and leaving a lasting legacy from the tournament.

The success of the Matildas during the World Cup has also been reflected in the media impact they have generated, with a media value of AUS$2.78 billion (US$1.82 billion). Their performance on the world stage has undoubtedly helped raise the profile of women’s soccer in Australia and inspire future generations of players.

The increased popularity of the sport is evident in the growing public interest, with 70 per cent of the country’s population reported to have watched the tournament. The report also highlights that more than half of the fans attending games featuring the Matildas were female, challenging typical attendance trends for soccer competitions.

Looking ahead, Australia may have the opportunity to host another major women’s soccer tournament as the country is the only bidder for the Women’s Asian Cup in 2026. Football Australia is currently in talks with state and federal governments, with a decision expected to be made in April.

Overall, the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup has left a lasting impact on Australia, both economically and socially. The success of the tournament has not only brought the nation together but also set the stage for greater opportunities for women’s soccer in the country. As we look towards the future of the sport, it is clear that the legacy of the World Cup will continue to inspire and empower soccer fans across the nation.