The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is just around the corner. Thirty-two teams, 64 games, and our girls are in hot pursuit of Australia’s first-ever World Cup title. It’s going to be a mammoth season of sport so to ensure you get the best spot for all the action, you’re going to want to plan where you’ll be watching early.
Sydney is one of the ten host cities for the tournament, spread across Australia and New Zealand. The Sydney Football Stadium and Stadium Australia at Homebush will both play host to headline matches throughout the World Cup.
Unfortunately, tickets to the Matilda’s three group stage games are virtually sold out, although there are still ways to get in on the live action. But, if you’ve not managed to get a live ticket, you’ll still be able to catch the action.
In Sydney, local councils are hosting free, live screenings of the games. We’ve also got a solid lineup of great bars, pubs, and sports venues in all corners of the city that will be packed with fans. Of course, these places will book up early, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.
Australia isn’t the only team Sydneysiders will be backing throughout the tournament. Some places will only show the Matilda’s games while others will show all the live matches.
So, here’s where you’ll want to secure a seat early to catch all the live action as it unfolds in Australia’s harbour city.
Where to Watch the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Sydney
The Matilda’s 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
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, which we should, 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.
Free Outdoor Live Screens in Sydney Showing the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
The City of Sydney is hosting the FIFA Fan Festival at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour. Every single game will be screened live on giant screens around the park with live music and entertainment between matches. Jessica Mauboy and Jack River are two of the Fan Festival highlights who will be gracing the stage at Tumbalong during the World Cup.
The site will also host an official FIFA Merchandise store so you can get kitted up in support of your team alongside the FIFA Museum, Football Playground, and a tonne of diverse food offerings.
Entry is free, and tickets aren’t required, but the park will have capacity limits. Get down early to ensure you secure a spot.
In the Eastern Suburbs, Randwick Council will be showing all of the Matilda’s games at Heffrom Synthetic Soccer Field in Maroubra.
Food trucks, live entertainment, and music will be happening around the matches. The entertainment will kick off at 6 pm on match days. Feel free to bring a picnic blanket and snacks, although glass, alcohol, and chairs and tables are restricted.
Note that it’s just the Australia games that will be shown, with the three group games locked in and subsequent matches TBC.
The events are free, but tickets are required, which you can book here.
Inner West Council will be running live, big-screen showings of all the Matilda’s games at three different Inner West locations.
The pop-up games will be held in Newtown, Leichhardt, and Ashfield. Camperdown Memorial Rest Park in Newtown will show the AUS v IRE game, Lambert Park Sportfeild in Leichhardt will show the AUS v NGR game, and Pratten Park in Ashfield will show the AUS v CAN game. Further locations and timings will be organised for knock-out stage games.
Each of the parks will host local eatery offerings and picnic spaces. Entry is free and unticketed, with the coverage starting at 7:45 pm on match days.
Of course, if you fancy watching all of the games live from the comfort of your own living room, check out our guide on how to stream the World Cup.
Out west, the City of Parramatta are running their own free big-screen live showings. The World Cup Live Site in Parramatta Square will be beaming almost all of the action to the fans.
“Virtually” all the matches from the entire tournament will be screened, starting from 20 July and running to August 20. The site will open 30 minutes before the kickoff of each match and will remain open if there is less than an hour between games. The full schedule can be accessed here.
It’s not only the games that are going down at Parramatta Square, either. The site will host a launch party for the games on 20 July from 4 pm with DJs and giveaways. Throughout the tournament, the Western Sydney Wanderers will be out and about at Parramatta Square for activities while Optus is hosting an immersive football VR experience.
The site is free to enter and unticketed. It’s worth noting, though, that alcohol will not be permitted.
Best Bars and Pubs to Watch the 2023 FIFA Womens World Cup in Sydney
CBD and Inner City
The Clock is showing every Matilda’s game live and loud with free margaritas for the first Matilda’s goal scored in every match. To be eligible, you need to complete this online form, show your confirmation email to staff on arrival, and collect your wristband. When the girls slot the first goal in, hold your wristband high for a free margie.
The hotel’s big screens with be playing some of the World Cup games live and loud throughout the venue alongside their regular schedule of sports offerings. They’ve got you covered for the Matilda’s matches, plus the semis and the grand final. While you’re watching, grab a bite from their traditional pub classics menus blended with contemporary Asian cuisine. Their Game Day Special during all matches is any burger and any beer for just $30.
Catch the Matilda’s games at Forrester’s in their Public Bar & Art Room. The traditional Saloon bar has been revived into The Art Room, a welcoming and cosy space with a wall mural painted by local artist Pilar Basa. At the heart of Forrester’s is the Public Bar; an inner-city Australian pub, classic sports bar, and community watering hole all in one. With multiple TVs and big screens, a wide selection of local craft beers, Aussie wines, and a menu of pub classics, it’s the perfect place to catch the World Cup headline games.
Cheers Bar was one of the heroes of the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup. With 24-hour opening, plenty of screens, pub grub, a wide selection of drinks and a CBD location, it saved many a football fan during the early starts last year. Cheers Bar is showing all of the World Cup matches and will no doubt be the epicentre for the die-hards during the games. The atmosphere is likely to be electric during the Matilda’s games but get in quick because tables are booking up fast.
Merrivale’s classic sports bar outfit is located right in the heart of the CBD on, you guessed it, York Street. With private booths, personal LED screens, drinks offers and plenty of pub grub, York 75 could be just what you’re looking for. All Matilda’s matches will be streamed live, along with a few other highlight games.
Eastern Suburbs
Nestled in the heart of Paddington, The Royal Hotel is renowned for its warm hospitality. With multiple screens and a great vibe, fans can immerse themselves in football action while savouring delicious pub food and refreshing drinks. The Roayl Bar is where the action will take place, with all the Matilda’s matches and select games being shown.
The Sheaf will be showing the action on its giant Sports Bar and Garden screens and offering a range of food and drink specials. Fans can book tables at this heritage-listed Art Deco hotel for Matilda’s games by heading to the venue’s website.
There’s only one place to be in the Eastern Suburbs when it comes to watching major sports matches and that’s the Coogee Bay Hotel. This place gets very lively indeed. The outdoor garden under the big screen fills up hours before the games but The Bay has the Sports Bar and the indoor cinema Selina’s for overflow viewing. All the games from the tournament will be shown.
Inner West
The Marlborough Hotel, Newtown
‘The Marly’ as it’s affectionately known by locals will be showing all the Matildas games across the entire venue. You’ll find fried chicken, burgers, mains, and snacks, plus plenty of plant-based options on the menu, so it’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat too. Spots will fill up fast so make sure you get in early.
With a large beer garden, delicious wood-fired pizzas, and an extensive range of craft beers and wines, Public House Petersham is a great place to get together and watch the game. It will be playing every match upon request, and fans can jump online to book a table in advance.
The Vic on The Park, Marrickville
The jewel in the crown of the Inner West’s pub scene, The Vic will be showing all of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches live and loud. The vast beer garden out the back will have the matches on the big screen while the inside front bar will cater to the events with its smaller screens. A great spot for local crafties and good times.
North Sydney and Northern Beaches
Rag & Famish Hotel is North Sydney’s oldest pub, with a courtyard, tasty pub grub and live games on its big screens. The Rag will be showing the Matilda’s games, plus highlights, and all the big matches on the big screens. Get down and find out why this place is still a local favourite after a century and a half.
The Oaks Hotel is one of Sydney’s best-loved pubs and is made up of several venues in one. Taffy’s Sports Bar will be broadcasting the Matilda’s action and serving up a delicious winter menu. Food offerings include pizzas and burgers, plus a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits, and a tempting selection of cocktails and non-alcoholic options.
Located right on Manly Beach, Hotel Steyne has been welcoming locals and visitors since 1859. Get amongst it at ‘Magics’, the Steyne’s dedicated sports bar or get outside and see it all on the big screen in the courtyard for the big matches. It’s an ideal spot to catch all the action north of the Bridge as it’s one of the few venues playing all the World Cup games.
Head over to this popular Northern Beaches brewery’s HQ in Brookvale for a huge selection of craft beers, brewed right next to where you’re drinking them. The Truck Bar kitchen has a range of food options, including burgers, bowls, subs and buffalo wings, plus foosball and that all-important big screen.
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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