A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ was the rich prize on offer. All the work had been done and a compelling bid had been delivered. The Sydney Opera House was swathed in almost surreal larger-than-life images of Australia captain Sam Kerr and New Zealand skipper Ali Riley. All that was left to do was wait. It was the dead of night Down Under exactly two years ago. Fingernails were nervously chewed, anxious hushed conversations were had over coffee and restless scrolls of social media took place as administrators, fans and players from Australia and New Zealand waited restlessly.

Finally the news came through – and it was a euphoric moment. The hard work put in to delivering an impressive bid had been rewarded and the exhilaration was instant. Local media was awash with the news that the world’s biggest single-sport women’s event would be heading Down Under. No sooner had that shot of adrenaline abated, the local organisers – in concert with Zurich-based personnel – set about building towards delivering the biggest Women’s World Cup ever seen.

Fast forward to the present day and much has happened in preparation for the first ever 32-nation edition of the tournament. Well-staffed offices have been set up in Auckland and Sydney, with smaller satellite offices in some other cities. FIFA personnel have visited on several occasions, headlined by an extensive recent visit from FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura.

“This Women’s World Cup is going to be a huge catalyst for the growth of women’s football, not only in Australia and New Zealand, but right across the Asia-Pacific region and the globe,” said FIFA’s Chief Women’s Football Officer Sarai Bareman. “It’s the single biggest female sporting event in the world and it inspires not only players and people on the pitch, but people off the pitch, women, girls and society in general. It’s going to be amazing; I get goosebumps just thinking about it.” “This will be one of the biggest events that the countries have ever hosted,” said Dave Beeche, Chief Executive of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia & New Zealand who, along with Jane Fernandez, Chief Operating Officer (Australia), and Jane Patterson, Chief Operating Officer (New Zealand), are part of a delegation visiting FIFA this week. “There is huge excitement, and enormous potential from this tournament. Both nations are really getting in behind it. The excitement is absolutely palpable.”

Numerous stadiums are being upgraded as well training venues. Notably the Sydney Football Stadium has been completely redeveloped with the Matildas having the honour of hosting the first football match at the venue in September. Olympic champions Canada will provide the opposition in a marquee match-up. “We want to give sports fans an experience they’ll never forget – world-class football on the pitch, a seamless fan experience from ticket purchase to leaving the stadium – and everything in between,” said Fernandez. “We have almost one year to go until we kick-off the tournament on 20 July, and of course you can’t have a tournament without a mascot, so we’re really excited to bring the mascot to you all later this year.” Another major milestone will be the Official Draw in Auckland on 22 October. New Zealand’s largest city will also have the honour of hosting the Opening Match.

While much focus is on the tournament itself, long-term legacy is very much in mind on both sides of the Tasman Sea. “I think the World Cup is going to inspire so many young boys and girls because they’re going to have the opportunity to see the best players in the world play on their home soil, and so it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Patterson. “We know that when young players see their heroes, there is an inspiration there that they will want to continue which we hope will be the lasting legacy, for them to be inspired and want to pick up a ball.” For information on how to apply for FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ tickets click here