The Women’s World Cup set new records and redefined the landscape of women’s football globally. As the co-hosts of the monumental tournament, Australia and New Zealand are experienced contrasting yet equally impactful trajectories regarding audience engagement and national fervour.
Australia, one of the co-hosts, has witnessed a sensational surge in enthusiasm for women’s football as their national team, the Matildas, embark on an unprecedented journey. Making their debut appearance in a World Cup semifinal, the Matildas have ignited an enthusiasm that has transformed the sport into a nationwide passion. The quarterfinal clash against France emerged as a historic spectacle, drawing in an astounding audience of over 7 million viewers – a remarkable feat that harks back to the monumental Sydney Olympics of 2000. The gripping penalty shootout, featuring a nerve-wracking 20 penalties, further cemented the Matildas’ surprising advancement. Remarkably, the group stage alone saw an astonishing 1.222 million spectators flock to the stadiums, averaging more than 25,000 attendees per game. These staggering numbers mark a notable 29% increase compared to the same stage of the 2019 World Cup in France.
Meanwhile, the other co-host, New Zealand, witnessed a slightly different trajectory in audience engagement. Despite a disappointing performance by the national team, the local population’s unwavering interest in the competition remains resolute. The semifinal showdown between Spain and Sweden, held at Auckland’s Eden Park, captured the collective attention of 43,217 ardent fans. This capacity crowd matched the record for the highest attendance ever recorded for a soccer game in the country, encompassing both men’s and women’s categories. Notably, this historic milestone was already reached during the 2023 World Cup quarterfinals clash between Japan and Sweden.
Andrew Pragnell, Chief Executive of New Zealand Football, lauded the transformative impact of the tournament, stating, “This tournament represented a colossal shift in the way football, especially women’s football, is viewed in New Zealand.” According to FIFA’s estimations, approximately 700,000 individuals tuned in to watch the matches unfold across New Zealand during the tournament.
As the Women’s World Cup continues to shatter records and inspire newfound passion across continents, the legacy of this monumental event extends far beyond the confines of the pitch, leaving an indelible mark on the trajectory of women’s football worldwide.
