Australia to target 2034 FIFA World Cup following Matildas success

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Matildas
Image via Football Australia

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 has come to a conclusion, with the Matildas doing Australia proud by reaching the semi-final of the tournament – while receiving record breaking support from the nation.

Nearly two million viewers watched the Matildas’ historic television record-breaking opener of their much awaited FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign.

An average of 1.93 million people watched the joint host team’s opening match of the tournament on Seven and its online streaming service 7Plus, despite the surprising absence of famous skipper Sam Kerr. While the third place match against Sweden saw 6.25 million viewers tune in.

The team would re-write history in their semi-final match against England, becoming the most watched Television program in Australian history. The game reached 11.15 million Australians nationally, and had an average audience of 7.13 million according to Channel Seven.

Channel Seven’s head of network sport Lewis Martin, said via press release:

“The Matildas performance captured the Australian spirit like nothing we have seen in decades, Australia was captivated last night as the Matildas played their hearts out and did us all proud. The Matildas have rewritten the history books.”

On the back of the astonishing numbers and support the Matildas received, Australia are in a strong position to bid on hosting the 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup, as Football Australia CEO James Johnson stated that it ‘would be discussed with New Zealand after the Women’s World Cup’.

As FIFA boss Gianni Infantino labelled it ‘the greatest Women’s World Cup ever’ – after a total attendance of 1,978,274 spectators – one could only imagine the support and views the event would bring on home soil supporting the Socceroos.

The 2026 World Cup is set to be hosted in North America across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with an expanded format of 48 teams. As the World Cup grows from 32 teams to 48, there will be 16 stadiums in 16 cities and 104 matches instead of 64.

Australia would be in a promising position to host the number of countries participating in the new World Cup format as the country has several world class stadiums across the nation, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) which would be a perfect venue for the final, holding a capacity of 100,000.

Australia must use the momentum of the Women’s World Cup to propose a serious bid to host in 2034.

Full statistics on FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 can be found here.

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Bundesliga DNA to the Boardroom: German-born Martin Kugeler Takes the Helm at Football Australia

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Image Credit: Stan

German-born executive, Martin Kugeler, shaped by Europe’s football culture and based in Australia since 2009, will step in as Football Australia CEO in February as the game eyes a defining 2026.

Reaching new heights

During the press conference held earlier this morning, Kugeler displayed both confidence and ambition as he prepares to lead a new era for Football Australia next month.

“Football in Australia has a strong foundation for growth. Our national impact is massive,” he said, highlighting both the immense number of participants and local clubs in Australia. He then continued to underline both the Socceroos and the Matildas as valuable assets in the nation’s football sphere.

“We have exceptional national teams that continually make us proud. They perform at a truly global scale and unite not only the football community, but the entire nation.”

With both the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the FIFA Men’s World Cup both on the horizon in 2026, the year certainly represents a huge opportunity for both the men’s and women’s game to showcase Australian footballing talent on an international scale. But the focus, as Krugeler underlined, will extend beyond the national team and address all levels of football in Australia to help the game grow.

“Football brings people and communities together. For a healthy lifestyle, for connection, for enjoyment, for belonging, powered by a remarkable, passion [and] dedicated players, referees, coaches, volunteers and fans,” he continued.

An inspiring reminder to all those involved in the game across Australia, and one which will hopefully show participants and stakeholders at all levels that 2026 will begin a new period of stability, growth and innovation.

 

Expertise, passion and ambition

Of course, the dawn of a new era for Football Australia cannot be successfully achieved without addressing the past and current issues, while still keeping an ambitious eye on what football can become at both national and international level for Australia.

Alongside Kugeler in the FA leadership team will be Football Australia Chair, Anter Isaac, as well as former Matilda, and current interim CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock. With their combined industry expertise and true passion for the game, all fans, players and stakeholders can be optimistic for the future of football governance in Australia.

But while expertise and passion are undoubtedly valuable assets for the FA, it remains essential that these help to inform the decisions and solutions made with the game’s best interests at heart.

 

 

 

 

Heidelberg United strengthens ties with Melbourne City Toyota

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Heidelberg United FC

It was announced via social media on Tuesday this week that Melbourne City Toyota would be extending their longstanding collaboration with Heidelberg United FC ahead of the 2026 season. 

 

A longstanding connection

The news of a collaboration between Heidelberg United and Melbourne City Toyota will come as no surprise to all those associated with the club. With a connection going all the way back to 2013, their professional relationship is built on solid foundations rooted within the Melbourne community. 

‘Heidelberg United FC is pleased to announce the continued support of our valued partner, Melbourne City Toyota, a proud sponsor since the inception of the NPL,’ the club said via an announcement made on social media. 

With a strong presence across several locations in Melbourne, including Heidelberg itself, Melbourne City Toyota represents an invaluable source of local support for Heidelberg United. 

 

An exciting project 

Since their first collaboration when the NPL first formed in 2013, Melbourne City Toyota have been an ever-present part of Heidelberg United’s journey to becoming one of the most formidable clubs in the NPL. 

In the past three seasons, the club has consistently risen up the NPLM VIC table. A mere two years on from finishing 9th in 2023, the men’s team achieved huge success last season as they became NPLM Victoria champions and reached the final of the Australian Cup. Although the latter ended in defeat, victories against A-League giants like Auckland FC showcased Heidelberg’s quality. 

The women’s team has also enjoyed plenty of success since joining the NPLW in 2016. Most notably, they achieved back-to-back Premiership titles in 2024 and 2025. With such success being showcased in both the NPLM and NPLW, there are certainly no question marks over Heidelberg United’s standing as one of the most exciting footballing projects not only in Victoria, but in all Australia.

 

New chapter, old partners

As clubs continue their preparations for the 2026 season, establishing local support and building community connections will be crucial. ‘The Bergers’ will no doubt be looking to count on the backing of Melbourne City Toyota as both a local and loyal partner in their endeavours on and off the pitch. 

 

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