After the massive success of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France which attracted 1.12 billion viewers, the tournament moves to Oceania.
Australia and New Zealand collaborated "As One" and seemed to be the favorites from the start of the bidding campaign. However, after the withdrawal of contenders Japan and Brazil, reports emerged that officials at UEFA would opt to endorse Australia and New Zealand's last competitor standing, Colombia, on the basis of helping the growth of Women's Football.
In a brief session which was streamed live on FIFA TV, the president of World Football's governing body stated:
"For this bidding process which was highly competitive (there were two bidders in the end -- Australia-New Zealand and Colombia) I would like to thank both of them for their remarkable work.
"It was really, really well prepared. Congratulations to both of them. I'd like to thank, as well, the Council members for the studying of the files and for, of course, taking a decision today. As well, the FIFA administration for the work carried out during the past few months.
"And now, I can announce the host country of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 which will be Australia-New Zealand. Congratulations and thank you very much."
They gathered nearly 63% of the votes, thereby flooring their only opponent Colombia. The South American nation's bid received the backing of English FA chairman Greg Clarke and French Football president Noel Le Graet but eventually lost to the "As One" bid by 13 votes to 22 out of 35 votes.
The #FIFAWWC 2023 hosts are @FFA & @NZ_Football.
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) June 25, 2020
Here you can find the FIFA Council vote breakdown. pic.twitter.com/uOxwl6ElL1
Meanwhile, the announcement included the following two major points:
GIANNI INFANTINO: "The FIFA Council has decided to award 1 billion US dollars in the development of Women's Football in the coming four years." #WoSo FANS: pic.twitter.com/M6RTy0QfLq
— LiveSoccerTV.com (@LiveSoccerTV) June 25, 2020
HEADS UP: There will be 32 participating nations, instead of 24, at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia-New Zealand.
— LiveSoccerTV.com (@LiveSoccerTV) June 25, 2020
Where are you from? Reply with your country's flag or name. #FIFAWWC #AsOne2023 #AsOne pic.twitter.com/hsvxpecddZ