The ACT government will look into bringing Women's World Cup games to Canberra and the Asian Cup proves Canberra Stadium's an ideal venue for big, international events.
Football Federation Australia announced they would make a bid for the 2023 Women's World Cup on Tuesday as they look to put the disappointment of the failed bid for the 2022 Men's World Cup that eventually went to Qatar.
Canberra Stadium hosted seven games at the 2015 Asian Cup, which included several sellouts, a thrilling quarter-final and it was also voted as the best playing surface in the tournament.
While the FFA was yet to know the criteria for the 2023 bid, they were expecting it to be similar to those used for the 2019 World Cup in France.
They were expecting to know more by the end of this year and would put their bid together in 2018.
ACT Sports Minister Yvette Berry said they would look into bringing games to Canberra.
The ACT has a strong tradition of successfully being part of big international tournaments.
On top of the Asian Cup two years ago, they also hosted three Cricket World Cup games at Manuka Oval the same summer.
Canberra Stadium will host three games during the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, including the Australian Kangaroos when they take on France.
It will be the second time this year the venue will host the Kangaroos, following their resounding victory over New Zealand there in the final Anzac Test.
Australia's rugby union team, the Wallabies, will take on Argentina at Canberra Stadium as part of this year's Rugby Championship in September.
"The government is yet to be formally approached by the FFA regarding the Women's World Cup bid, [but] the ACT government would be interested in being part of the bid subject to a full understanding of the costs and benefits," Berry said.
"The ACT demonstrated our capacity to be involved in major football tournaments during the 2015 Asian Cup, with strong crowds and a playing surface that was rated as the best of the tournament."
Berry was excited about the prospect of being involved in the potential of bringing the Matildas to Canberra as part of the tournament.
She's a strong supporter of women's soccer, which was highlighted during last week's ACT budget.
Her government made true on an election commitment to bring Canberra United's funding model in line with Canberra's elite men's football teams, the ACT Brumbies and the Canberra Raiders.
Previously, United were only given year-on-year funding, while the Brumbies and Raiders had more financial certainty through five-year deals.
Now Canberra United, who play in the W-League, have a four-year deal. The Canberra Capitals, who play in the Women's National Basketball League, also have a four-year deal.
"The announcement that Australia will launch a bid to host the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is great news for women's football," Berry said.
"The ACT government has made a strong commitment to women's football.
"Just last week we funded our commitment of a four-year funding deal for Canberra United and bringing them more into line with our elite men's teams.
"We strongly support this bid and the hosting of games here in the ACT, it represents great progression for Australian women's football."
