In Zurich, on Thursday, the schedule for the 52 matches of the eighth FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will be held from June 7 to July 7, 2019, was unveiled.
Paris will host the kickoff, Lyon will signal the end of the festivities. As for the Azure capital, it will host, among other things, the third-place play-off.
After two weeks of visiting host cities (Lyon, Paris, Montpellier, Rennes, Le Havre, Valenciennes, Reims, and Grenoble) and inspecting the nine stadiums, representatives from FIFA and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) made their final stop on the territory of the Aiglons.
On this occasion, Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, held a press conference, surrounded by José Cobos, Deputy Mayor in charge of sports events, Sarai Bareman, FIFA Women’s Football Director, Brigitte Henriques, Vice-President of the FFF and the LOC, and Bertrand Paquette, Director of the Tournament within the LOC.
“Confirming the success of Euro 2016”
The Allianz Riviera, the third largest stadium in terms of capacity (35,624 seats) behind the Groupama Stadium (Lyon) and Parc des Princes, will host six matches, including the second group stage match for Les Bleues (June 12), a round of 16 match, and the match for third place.
Two years ago, during the European Championship organized in France, the Nice arena had already hosted four matches, including a round of 16 match. According to Christian Estrosi, it’s a way to “confirm the success of Euro 2016,” as the economic impact for Nice could exceed 40 million euros.
The next meeting before “The Moment to Shine”
As the event organizer, the Hexagon is already qualified for this international competition. However, Corinne Diacre’s protégées will still have to be patient.
Indeed, they will not know their opponents among the 23 other participating teams until the final draw at the Seine Musicale in Boulogne-Billancourt next December 8. It will be the last hint of the unknown before the first clear skies for Amandine Henry and her teammates.
by Solène Falaise
