Sydney shines green and gold as NSW gets behind Matildas’ Women’s World Cup campaign

The Matildas take on Denmark tonight at Sydney’s Stadium Australia at 8.30pm.

The Sydney Opera House will be lit up from 6pm, while the Central Station Clock Tower will also go gold and the lighting inside the Central Station Concourse will go green and gold in tribute.

Sydneysiders may also catch glimpses of other buildings to be lit green and gold including the State Library, The Art Gallery of NSW, Luna Park, Commbank Stadium in Parramatta, The Calyx in the Royal Botanic Gardens, ICC Sydney in Darling Harbour, International Towers Barangaroo, plus the Novotel Sydney Central, Hyde Hacienda (Circular Quay) and The Argyle (The Rocks).

The Matildas, ranked 10th in the world, need to win over Denmark, ranked 13th, to continue to the quarter-finals.

Messages of support are being displayed today across screens on the transport network including the Sydney Metro and train stations, buses, light rail and on ferry wharves, as well as across more than 100 Service NSW centres.

Tonight’s match will also be screened at the FIFA Fan Festival at Tumbalong Park, in Darling Harbour, which is providing a lively and very popular destination for crowds to join in on the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 atmosphere, with fans encouraged to attend. 

The FIFA Fan Festival site shows every game for free on large screens, along with live performances and street food.

Sydney is in the grip of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 fever with forthcoming matches expected to continue breaking viewing records across the world. Sydney is hosting games in all remaining stages right through to the final at Stadium Australia on Sunday 20 August. 

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is firmly on track to be the biggest ever, with 1.65 million tickets across the tournament’s 64 games sold. 

Visit FIFA Fan Festival for more information about everything taking place.

For those unable to visit the FIFA Fan Festival, councils across Sydney and NSW will also be screening FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 games.

Fans are encouraged to use public transport to travel to the game and the live sites. Visit transportnsw.info to plan your trip.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“We couldn’t be prouder of the Matildas making it through to the final 16 and finishing at the top of their group for the first time. 

“The World Cup has brought our city and state alive.

“We are taking this even further by turning NSW green and gold to cheer on the mighty Matildas. 

“NSW is so proud to be playing such a significant role in hosting this World Cup.

“With all of NSW behind them, let’s cheer the Matildas on to the next round of the World Cup!”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: 

“It is awesome that Sydney will shine green and gold tonight. This is a defining moment for the rise of women’s sport.  

“We are thrilled to have the Matildas here in Sydney tonight and it is great knowing our city is hosting the final in a few weeks’ time.”

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:  

“I know it will be a packed house at Stadium Australia tonight with fans cheering on our Matildas as they aim for a spot in the quarter-finals. 

“I encourage everyone to don the green and gold, get to the game or a community fan site, to witness this once in a lifetime opportunity.”  

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The Matildas have made Australia proud and we’re all going green and gold tonight.

“The Matildas are superb role models that women and girls can aspire to.”