Australia, New Zealand: FIFA Womens' World Cup to be held in multiple cities, July 20-Aug. 20

Australia and New Zealand to host FIFA Womens' World Cup in multiple cities, July 20-Aug. 20. Traffic restrictions planned.

Event

Australia and New Zealand are set to host the FIFA Womens' World Cup 2023 at multiple cities July 20-Aug. 20. Tens of thousands of spectators will likely attend each soccer match, including foreign nationals. Matches are scheduled to take place at the following locations and dates:

Australia

Brisbane Stadium (Suncorp Stadium): July 22, 27, 29, 31, and Aug. 3, 7, 12, 19
Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide: July 24, 28, 30 and Aug. 1, 8
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium (AAMI Park): July 20, 24, 31 and Aug. 2, 6, 8
Perth Rectangular Stadium: July 22, 26, 29 and Aug. 1, 3
Stadium Australia, Sydney: July 20 and Aug. 7, 12, 16, 20
Sydney Football Stadium (Allianz Stadium): July 23, 25, 28, 30, and Aug. 2, 6

New Zealand

Dunedin Stadium (Forsyth Barr Stadium): July 21, 23, 26, 28, 30 and Aug. 1
Eden Park, Auckland: July 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, and Aug 1, 5, 11, 15
Waikato Stadium, Hamilton: July 22, 25, 27, 31, and Aug. 2
Wellington Regional Stadium: July 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, and Aug. 2, 5, 11

Authorities have announced road closures and diversions around the stadiums on match days. Officials typically operate additional public transport services before and after scheduled matches to curb likely increased demand. Increased congestion and traffic delays are likely around the stadiums before and after scheduled matches. An increased number of travellers could prompt processing delays at airports in host cities.

Police will likely deploy additional security to monitor the events. Civil rights groups may seek to capitalize on the presence of international media to draw attention to their grievances. Officials will move swiftly to contain and disperse any protests before the situation escalates. Overcrowding and stampedes are unlikely as authorities are adept at crowd control measures, but cannot be ruled out entirely. Opportunistic crimes such as pickpocketing may occur.

Advice

Unless attending, considering avoiding the stadiums on scheduled match days due to road closures and increased congestion. Plan on localized transport disruptions. Allow additional travel time to reach nearby destinations; seek alternative routes to circumvent the event venue if necessary. Allow additional time to clear security at airports in host cities, until at least the end of the competition period. Remain vigilant and safeguard personal belongings in crowded places and transport services. Heed all official security and traffic advisories, including crowd management measures.