FIFA gifts Unity Pitch to Auckland communities

The Unity Pitch was a colourful presence in the build-up to, and during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™

Image > WWC > Unity Pitch in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland > 250123 III

Magic ticket holder looks back at magic FIFA Women’s World Cup experience 

Just over a week after the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ final, Maria Strong is still wondering if the past month was a dream or actually happened.

Spain v Sweden teams lining up for the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 semi-final

First-ever FIFA Fan Festival at FIFA Women’s World Cup sets the standard

The FIFA Fan Festivals in the nine host cities for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ capped of a month of football and family fun with tens of thousands cheering Spain to victory around Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Matildas fans celebrate at the FIFA Fan Festival

Figures in focus as Stadium Australia gets set to crown new FIFA Women’s World Cup Winner  

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ is set to come to a stunning conclusion in Sydney/Wangal today, with a crowd of over 75,000 expected for the tournament’s showpiece match between Spain and England.

A general view of the inside of the stadium, as the LED Screen displays the match attendance of 75,784, during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match between Australia and England

Hannah Wilkinson: We sparked a passion for football in our country

It was a night that women's football in New Zealand will never forget. The opening match of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ was played in front of biggest crowd New Zealand has ever witnessed for a football match -- men's or women's 

Hannah Wilkinson of New Zealand applauds fans

Beyond Greatness™ Community Football Tournament donates $100,000 AUD to charity

The Beyond Greatness™ Community Football Tournament, played on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House, brought FIFA Legends together today with forty local female footballers. All for two good causes.

Team photos including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Adriana Lima, NASCA Director Chloe Wighton and BBM Motivation founder David Letele during the Beyond Greatness™ Community Football Tournament 

Kirsty Yallop: Generational change has happened in Aotearoa New Zealand 

Kirsty Yallop, member of the FIFA Technical Study Group for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ has a unique perspective on this tournament with a strong connection to both host nations.

Kirsty Yallop during a portrait session as part of the FWWC Technical Study group

FIFA celebrates roll-out of innovative digital and TV features at FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™

FIFA has invested in remote live production, cutting-edge data-driven insights and captivating behind-the-scenes content at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™.

Fatma Samoura: "This is only the beginning for women's football"

The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ will leave a long and lasting legacy that will be felt beyond the four lines of the pitch, FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said as she addressed the opening of the Second FIFA Women's Football Convention in Sydney.

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura at the FIFA Women's Football Convention

Five more FIFA Legends to grace the Sydney Opera House Forecourt 

FIFA today announced that a further five FIFA Legends will participate in Saturday’s Beyond Greatness™ Community Football Tournament at the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Beyond Greatness™ Community Football Tournament 

FIFA Launches the Women’s Health, Wellbeing, and Performance Project: Empowering Women in Sports

FIFA's Women’s Football Division, in collaboration with leading experts from around the globe, is proud to unveil the FIFA Women’s Health, Wellbeing, and Performance project. 

Female Health Project Snapshot Front cover

UN World Food Programme Executive Director thanks FIFA for supporting Zero Hunger social impact cause

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ semi-final between Australia and England featured the Unite for Zero Hunger social impact cause, which is being promoted by FIFA and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

FIFA President Gianni Infantino with FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura (L) and Executive Director of the World Food Programme Cindy McCain (C)

FIFA Women’s World Cup creates next generation of Kiwi big events experts 

FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 has provided a massive boost for a whole new generation of young New Zealanders working inside one of the biggest sports events in the world.

FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Sydney Harbour Bridge UFIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Sydney Harbour Bridge Unity Celebration.

Gender equity the talking point as Secretary General speaks at final EQUALIZE event

 FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura visited Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau Monday evening to speak at the EQUALIZE: The State of Play event organised by New Zealand Story.

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura during Equalize: The State of Play on August 14,2023 in Auckland, New Zealand

Legacy Working Group excited at FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ impact

Following the conclusion of the Round of 16 fixtures at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™, the Legacy Working Group met to discuss the impact of the tournament so far.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino with the FIFA Women's World Cup Legacy Working Group 

Emma Evans: You can’t be, what you can’t see

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ is slowly approaching its final phase. A long list of on and off-field superlatives will ensure the afterglow of this historic event will take some time to fade. 

Young girls play football at a Unity Pitch in Hamilton.

FIFA host Māori youth and chaperones for an unforgettable experience

48 Māori rangatahi (youth) aged 11-18 and 9 chaperones from were guests of FIFA last night at the quarter-final match between Japan and Sweden at Eden Park.

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura with kids group during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Quarter Final match between Japan and Sweden at Eden Park 

“I saw history being made in front of my eyes. My photos helped immortalize some of those moments”

Rafaela Pontes, Matthew Gelhard and Luke Vargas were part of a team of students from the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism at Penn State University that partnered with The Associated Press to supplement coverage of the group stage in New Zealand. 

Rafaela Pontes, Photographer in Auckland

Meet the Kiwi family with a special FIFA Women’s World Cup connection

Two of the biggest supporters of women’s football in Aotearoa New Zealand have been astonished at how the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ has taken the host nations by storm.

Dave Beeche, Sarai Bareman, Fatma Samoura, Shane Harmon, Rodolfo Villalobos, Johanna Wood and Regional Stadium Venue General Manager, Graeme Davidson, during a visit to Wellington Regional Stadium 

Refugees Unite for Peace at FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 

A group of 40 refugees, forced to flee from conflict around the world, enjoyed a special invitation on Tuesday evening to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in Melbourne/Naarm – a city they now call home. 

Colombia v Jamaica: Round of 16 - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

Football made me feel part of a team

Australia deaf football star, Anjelica Williams, was the catalyst for an immersive experience for several young players at the FIFA Women’s World Cup™.

Anjelica Williams of Marconi Stallions

‘Football is for everyone’ - Amputee footballers display sublime skills at Unity Pitch

Sydney/Gadigal’s Unity Pitch at Barangaroo on Sydney Harbour hosted some special visitors this week when visitors from the US Amputee Football Federation were on hand to display some unique skills. 

Amputee Football Event in Barangaroo - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

FIFA and United Nations join together to celebrate International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

FIFA and the United Nations Human Rights (OHCHR) jointly staged an event celebrating the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, which has coincided with the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ being played in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (C) with Oriini Kaipara (L) and FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura (R) at the International Day of the World's Indigenous People event 

Emerging female sports journalists empowered to shine during Australia & New Zealand 2023

FIFA are supporting a media programme collaboration between Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) who are delivering significant support and stewardship.

OFC/ABC women's media mentorship programme

FIFA helps First Nations girls enjoy trip of a lifetime

50 First Nations girls aged 11-15 from Western Australia, Northern Territory and Central/Far North Queensland were treated to a trip of a lifetime when they visited Brisbane/Meaanjin.

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura with Indigenous kids from Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland duing the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between England and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium

Celebrating the Beyond Greatness Speaker Series: Empowering Women's Voices

The #BeyondGreatness Speaker Series took us on a whirlwind tour across all Australian host cities of the FIFA Women's World Cup during the tournament’s group stage, bringing together inspiring women who shared their awe-inspiring stories.

Perth The Beyond Greatness Speaker Series - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023


FIFA Coach Education Scholarship embraces football in all its forms

Australia & New Zealand 2023 aims to be an accessible event for all and it was against that backdrop that a noteworthy name featured at the recent FIFA Coach Education Scholarship (CES) programme; Kelly Stirton, head coach of Australia’s ParaMatildas.

Australia's ParaMatildas team launch

'Painting pictures' with Audio Descriptive Commentary

We hear from a partially-sighted football fan who has travelled Down Under to go to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup due to the availability of in-stadium Audio Descriptive Commentary.

Germany v Colombia: Group H - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

Eden Park grounds staff living and breathing their pitch 

As the knock-out stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ gets underway, football of the highest calibre has been played on some of the best pitches on the planet by combining local knowledge, with decades of FIFA expertise.

Auckland Pitch Turnaround -  FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

Female groundskeepers changing the industry in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand

When Steph Catley placed the ball on the penalty spot in Australia’s Group B fixture against Canada, the entire host nation watched with bated breath to see their captain send the Matildas into the knockout stages

Australian turf managers during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Canada and Australia at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium

Matildas make their mark in Malaysia

In keeping with Australia's intention to leave a lasting legacy after the Women's World Cup, the Australian High Commission in Malaysia decided to do its bit by organizing an event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital.

FIFA Women's World Cup Viewing Party in Malaysia

Josh Perry: "The FIFA Women's World Cup has given me more confidence”

Over 300 volunteers have been supporting the matches for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Dunedin/Ōtepoti, but few have a story to tell like Josh Perry.

Josh Perry, Media Ops volunteer in Dunedin/Ōtepoti overseeing the photographers

Local referees enjoy legacy learnings from world’s elite

A focus on legacy has been a key theme underpinning the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™, and there are also numerous less evident areas in which FIFA is helping provide local benefits such as the FIFA Referee Legacy Observers Program.

Referees' Media Day - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

Rodolfo Villalobos hails the promotion and development of women’s football in Costa Rica

The President of the Costa Rican Football Association puts Costa Rica’s performance in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ into perspective. Villalobos underlines the milestones achieved, the investments made and the next steps to be taken in women’s football

Costa Rica national team and Rodolfo Villalobos, president of the Costa Rican Football Federation, pose for a picture

We believe in leaving the tournament communities better than we found them

In a display of environmental commitment, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 workforce have participated in a series of tree planting events in all Host Cities, joining hands with community groups, councils, and charities to contribute to a greener future. 

Hundreds of Football fans joined others at a large tree planting at Puhinui Community reserve near Auckland Airport

Secretary General speaks at Gender Equality Symposium 

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura visited Brisbane / Meaanjin on Friday morning to speak at a Gender Equality Symposium organised by the Australian Government.

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura speaks at the Gender Equality Symposium in Brisbane

Schools out for the football

 Schools, sports clubs, and community groups are pouring into the stadiums for the FIFA Women’s World Cup around Aotearoa New Zealand, making good use of the Community Group Sales option and the friendly kick-off times.

Poolburn School during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group G match between Argentina and South Africa at Dunedin Stadium

Van Egmond: The World Cup gives children something to aspire to

FIFA's flagship campaign, Football Unites the World, is a global movement that will inspire, unite and drive development through football, and Australia midfielder Emily van Egmond shared her thoughts and memories ahead of Australia & New Zealand 2023.

Australia Portraits - FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 - 06-Jun, 2019

World Cup delivers long-term legacy benefits for local clubs

Long after the world champions are crowned, the legacy of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ will continue to be felt across the football communities of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Nigeria Open Training Session-  FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

Football for Schools is changing education in Darwin

Football for Schools was launched in Australia between 16-18 July. The festivities took place in Darwin, in the Northern Territory

FIFA Football for Schools - Australia

Alexia Putellas: The best thing about football is seeing how we stir emotions and inspire others

As the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ draws near, we caught up with Alexia Putellas and asked her to share some of her favourite memories.

Alexia Putellas of Spain poses during the official FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 portrait session 

Duggan: Learn to live the game for life and love it

2023 is proving to be quite a year for Football Australia board member Amy Duggan with the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ on home soild preceded by the inspiration that was attendance at the Women in Football Leadership Programme in March. 

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