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NZ to host 2023 Women's WC play-offs

Staff WritersReuters
Ten teams will compete in New Zealand-based play-offs to qualify for the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Camera IconTen teams will compete in New Zealand-based play-offs to qualify for the 2023 Women's World Cup. Credit: AP

The first Women's World Cup Play-off Tournament will take place in the cities of Hamilton and Auckland in New Zealand from February 17-23 next year.

The tournament will consist of 10 teams who will be competing for the final three spots in the Women's World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand from July 20, 2023.

"The Playoff Tournament ... will provide fans of all ages the opportunity to watch nations from around the world vie for the final three qualification spots as the excitement continues to build towards FIFA Women's World Cup," FIFA Chief Women's Football Officer Sarai Bareman said on Monday.

Thailand and Taiwan have already booked places in the event. The remaining eight teams will qualify through their continental tournaments.

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The number of teams competing in the Women's World Cup has been increased to 32 from the 24 at France 2019, and FWWC2023 New Zealand COO Jane Patterson says Kiwis will look forward to welcoming the teams and fans from across the globe.

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"It will provide FIFA, host cities, stadiums, training sites and government the opportunity to test readiness of operations, infrastructure and resources," Patterson said.

"Organising a competition the size and scale of the FIFA Women's World Cup is a hugely exciting opportunity, so to host the Play-Off Tournament and test readiness will be a real asset."

China, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Vietnam, France, Spain, Sweden and Denmark have already secured their place at next year's finals.

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