The triennial AFL International Cup will be hosted just that little bit closer to Canada in 2020, with Queensland’s Sunshine Coast set to host the tournament from July 25 to August 8.

More than a thousand footballers from across the world will participate in dedicated men’s and women’s competitions on the newly refurbished first-class facility at Maroochydore Sport Complex.

Participants will also have a chance to showcase their skills at the Gabba (home ground of the Brisbane Lions), with the tournament grand finals to be held as a curtain raiser and closer to the Round 21 match between Brisbane Lions and West Coast Eagles on Saturday August 8.

The Canadian men’s national team – the Northwind – and the national women’s team – the Northern Lights – have competed at every edition of the pinnacle of the international game.

The teams’ best tournament was in 2014, when the men finished fifth and the women finished first. At the tournament’s last edition the men finished seventh and the women finished runners up to Ireland.

AFL General Manager of Game Development Andrew Dillon said the seventh AFL International

Cup carnival would be an unforgettable experience for participants both on and off the field.

“The 2020 AFL International Cup promises to be another exciting event which celebrates the

love of Australian football and continued growth of our game overseas,” he said.

“We’re delighted to take the event to the Sunshine Coast where participants will not only get to

experience playing on first-class facilities, but also enjoy some of Australia’s most iconic

scenery.

“With more players and fans supporting our game overseas, the International Cup promises to

be another wonderful event for all involved.”

Queensland Minister for Tourism Industry Development Kate Jones said it was a coup for

Queensland to secure the event to be played outside of Victoria for the first time.

“This event is expected to attract almost 1000 tourists, contribute more than 14,500 visitor

nights and generate nearly $2 million for local businesses," Ms Jones said.

The 2020 AFL International Cup will include teams from North America, Europe, Africa, Asia

and the Pacific.