Australia and New Zealand have joined forces in the race to host the next FIFA Women’s World Cup, in 2023. Key points: Australia and New Zealand initially had separate bids but decided to join forces The countries hosted the 2015 Cricket World Cup and 2017 Rugby League World Cup together If successful, it would be the first time two countries have hosted a Women’s World Cup Football Federation Australia (FFA) had initially planned on submitting its own bid, while New Zealand put its name forward back in March. But the joint approach may give them a better chance of beating other bids from Japan, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina. The decision was announced on the last day before paperwork was due to be submitted to FIFA. If successful, it would be the first time the tournament would have joint hosts and would also be the first time it has been held in the southern hemisphere. “For young girls to be able to look at us and say ‘that’s what I want to be’ … is a dream come true,” Matildas vice-captain Steph Catley said. “I didn’t have that growing up.” Catley said her favourite Women’s World Cup memory was running out…