New Zealand and Australia are launching a joint bid to host the women's Football world Cup in 2023.
The New Zealand women's football team. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 2023 World Cup will be an expanded competition with 32 nations competing, up from the 24 which competed in France this year.
Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, South Africa, and North and South Korea have also expressed interest in hosting the tournament.
In a joint statement by New Zealand Sports minister Grant Robertson and his Australian counterpart Richard Colbeck, Robertson said the bid is an opportunity for the two countries to showcase their commitment to women's sport.
"New Zealand and Australia are both countries that champion and celebrate women's sport, and it has been no surprise to see the football community, stadia, host cities and states across our two countries embrace this bid," Minister Robertson said.
"We know New Zealand and Australia can work as a team to deliver something unique and world class, while also creating a legacy for women and for football in our countries and across Asia and Oceania."
Photo: Supplied / NZF
New Zealand and Australia have previously co-hosted major international sporting events most recently the Rugby League World Cup 2017 and the Cricket World Cup 2015.
A decision on the host nation is expected to be made by football's governing body FIFA in May.
New Zealand international Rosie White said the tournament would offer major benefits for the game, with women's football in Asia and Oceania receiving significant sporting and commercial investment.
White has represented New Zealand at three senior Women's World Cups as well as at U-17 and U-20 Women's World Cups.
"If New Zealand and Australia were to host a World Cup it would change football in our region forever," White says.
"I had a taste for it with the U-17 Women's World Cup (in New Zealand) in 2008 and that is, still to this day, one of my favourite memories. I could not think of a better opportunity than hosting a World Cup to help women's football skyrocket in New Zealand - to inspire the next generations and drive investment into our sport."
