Matildas Draw Record Crowd In Perth Ahead Of World Cup
Matildas Draw Record Crowd In Perth Ahead Of World Cup...
The Australian women's national soccer team, the Matildas, drew a sold-out crowd of over 50,000 fans in Perth on Tuesday night during a pre-World Cup friendly against Brazil. The match, held at Optus Stadium, set a new attendance record for a women's soccer game in Western Australia and showcased the growing popularity of the sport ahead of the 2026 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Despite the 1-1 draw, the electric atmosphere and strong turnout have sparked discussions in the U.S. about the rising global interest in women's soccer. The Matildas, led by star forward Sam Kerr, are seen as strong contenders for next year's World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. American fans are closely watching international teams as preparations for the tournament intensify.
The game gained traction in U.S. search trends due to its implications for the upcoming World Cup and comparisons to the record-breaking attendance at recent NWSL matches. The Matildas' performance against Brazil, a traditional powerhouse, also highlighted the increasing competitiveness in women's soccer worldwide.
Australian media reported that over 80% of tickets were sold within 48 hours of release, demonstrating the Matildas' massive appeal. The team's next match, against England in Sydney on March 5, is also expected to sell out quickly. U.S. broadcasters have taken note, with ESPN securing rights to air key Matildas matches ahead of the World Cup.
Fans in Perth waved flags and chanted throughout the match, creating a festival-like atmosphere. Social media clips of the crowd singing along to the team's anthem, "Never Tear Us Apart," went viral overnight. The enthusiasm mirrors the surge in support seen during the 2023 Women's World Cup, which set global viewership records.
With less than 18 months until the 2026 tournament, the Matildas' success is fueling excitement among American soccer enthusiasts. The U.S. Women's National Team, which has dominated the sport for decades, now faces stiffer competition from teams like Australia, Spain, and England. This shift is drawing more attention to international women's soccer in the lead-up to the World Cup.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the team and fans, calling the event "a historic moment for women's sport." Similar sentiments were echoed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who highlighted the match as evidence of the sport's rapid growth. The Matildas will play two more friendlies in Australia this month before heading to Europe for additional World Cup preparations.
