Matildas-Ferns clash to be Townsville's first international football match

Townsville will be on the world sporting stage again when Australia's Matildas take on the New Zealand Ferns in the city next month.

The match on April 8 is expected to draw 16,000 spectators to the North Queensland Stadium and inject about $2 million into the economy.

The $290 million stadium has drawn major events since its opening in 2020, including a sell-out State of Origin match, making it the first regional city to do so.

However, international football matches scheduled for the venue have not been as prosperous.

Due to the pandemic, the 2020 Queensland Champions Cup was cancelled, meaning fans missed out on the much-hyped game between the Brisbane Roar and England's Crystal Palace.

Next month's match between the Matildas and the Ferns will be the stadium's inaugural soccer match and the region's first time hosting an international football game.

The Matildas have often struggled at major tournaments, but their Asian Cup exit feels different.

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said a strong turnout was expected. 

«Soccer particularly is one of our biggest junior sports in our region, and we have actually seen a growth of just over 14 per cent on last year's figures,» he said.

«I think you will see there is more and more appetite for games like this to be attracted into this stadium.»

Football Australia said it hoped to provide as many opportunities as possible for Australians to watch the Matildas play on home soil ahead of the 2023 Women's World Cup.