The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is just around the corner. At the men’s World Cup last year, Melbourne went off. Massive screens dominated the city as tens of thousands of fans gathered in the early hours to watch Australia play.
This time around, we’re expecting similarly huge crowds as the women’s edition finally reaches parity with that of the men’s. Thirty-two teams will be playing 64 games, and our girls are in hot pursuit of Australia’s first-ever World Cup title.
Tickets to the Matildas’ three group-stage games have already sold out, although there are still ways to get in on the stadium action. If you’ve not managed to get a live ticket, your next best bet is perching up in front of a huge live screen with your mates.
In Melbourne, there are a tonne of great options for places to watch the world cup. The city council are hosting a massive live screening of all the action and the surrounds aren’t short on great sports bars and pubs covering the games.
Of course, Australia isn’t the only team Melbournites will be backing throughout the tournament. Be warned that some places will only show the Matilda’s games while others will show all the live matches. If there’s a game you have to see, make sure to plan ahead.
So, here’s where you’ll want to secure a seat early to catch all the live action as it unfolds in Australia’s culture capital.
Where to Watch the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Melbourne
The Matilda’s have three confirmed games against Ireland, Canada, and Nigeria, making it a relatively challenging group stage for us. If we make it out of the group stage, we’ll then be through to the knockout rounds.
Timetables and coverage of the later games are still to be confirmed depending on where we place but the three confirmed group stage games will be held on:
- Thursday, 20 July at 8pm – Australia vs Ireland
- Thursday, 27 July at 8pm – Australia vs Nigeria
- Monday, 31 July at 8pm – Australia vs Canada
Free Outdoor Live Screens in Melbourne Showing the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Federation Square
Last year, Federation Square was the centre of the World Cup. Images of Melbourne going wild during Socceroos matches put the rest of the country to shame. A certain envious Premier to the north found himself scrambling to find something equally good for his city.
Fed Square, in the heart of the CBD, will of course once again be hosting all of the Matildas’ matches during the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
This time around, however, the showings will be bigger than ever. Not only will all of Australia’s games be streamed, but all 64 games across the entire tournament will be part of the Melbourne FIFA Fan Festival.
It’s not just football either, with Fed Square hosting live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, and a variety of food trucks and bars serving flavours from the 32 competing nations.
The entertainment lineup features Indigenous Australian singer Sycco, Australian singer-songwriter Samantha Jade, and a diverse selection of local DJs, drummers, and dancers.
Entry is free, unticketed, and all the entertainment runs from 20 July to 20 August. Make sure to get in early to secure your seat.
While Melbourne had other pop-up screens in place during the men’s FIFA World Cup last year, so far, no other councils have announced they will be hosting public screens in the city. We will keep you updated if this changes.
Best Bars and Pubs to Watch the 2023 FIFA Womens World Cup in Melbourne
The Imperial bills itself as the best place to watch live sports in Melbourne. It’s a big English Premier League pub so it’s no wonder they’re showing all the games from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup live and loud. The pub is one of the oldest in the city, with multiple big screens throughout and a huge roof terrace with views of the city to soak in all the action with a pot in hand.
The Croner is a stalwart of the Melbourne music scene but it seems that football fever has also taken over this iconic establishment. The team at Corner are big sports fans and so will be screening all of the big games – including all three of the Matildas’ group stage games – live on their big screen. Bookings are recommended as this place will fill up.
The James Squire microbrewery on Russell Street is huge for English football fans. The Crafty Squire is the home of Melbourne supporters clubs for Arsenal and Manchester United, and they also play all of the Australian A-League games. It’s no surprise then that they’ll be covering all of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup games on their high-quality big screens throughout the venue. Fast service and great beers make this place a winner.
The Sporting Globe, Multiple Locations
The Sporting Globe has nine sites throughout Melbourne, stretching from Weirbee to Chirnside. They offer the classic sports bar experience, with a big focus on wings and beers and big TVs in every room. All Sporting Globe venues will be playing every single Women’s World Cup match throughout the tournament, making them excellent places to perch up and binge the action.
The Prince Alfred is a pub for the people – classic food, excellent drinks, and great service for the masses. The heritage-listed building boasts a range of eating and dining rooms, but it’s their beer garden where you’ll want to set yourself up for the World Cup. The outdoor space is surprisingly open and airy, with a big screen at one end and the necessary array of heaters above. All Matildas’ matches and highlight games will be shown.
Great Northern Hotel, Carlton North
The Great Northern’s huge beer garden makes it an ideal spot to catch all the World Cup action. The heritage facade nestled in leafy Carlton gives way to dark, wood-panelled interiors perfect for getting cosy on those cold winter nights. You can’t go too wrong with the classic pub fare on the menu and a strong selection of craft beers on tap. Select World Cup games will be played, including all of Australia’s, so it’s worth checking the schedule for the latest details.
Turf Sports Bar does what it says on the tin. This central hideaway has a sophisticated sheen, but don’t let that fool you; they get around their sports in a big way. It’s live-screen sports action with an Irish lean, and Turf Bar will be playing select World Cup matches throughout the month. A great one if your city based and want to catch the games straight after work.
Claiming South Melbourne’s best rooftop, Bells Hotel is a one-stop shop for food, drink, entertainment, and, of course, sports. They’ve got the massive screens necessary to give the games the showing they deserve and are offering all-day food and drink specials on game days. However, it’s just the Aussie games that will be shown here, with later post-group stage scheduling to be determined.
This quirky, neo-retro sports bar is a tiny oasis of gaming fun. They’re showing each and every game from the tournament on screens throughout the venue, meaning you’ll always have a good view. They also have pool tables and arcade games to keep you busy in between matches and schnitzels, wings, and pizzas to keep you full.
Not in Melbourne? Here’s where to catch the action in your city:
- Where to Watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Sydney
- Where to Watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brisbane
- Where to Watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Adelaide
- Where to Watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Perth
Related: Albo Suggests Australia Could Score a Public Holiday If the Matildas Win the World Cup
Related: Australia and New Zealand Are Limbering Up for the FIFA Women’s World Cup
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