The highly anticipated ninth Women’s World Cup, the largest in its history, commences with New Zealand and Australia co-hosting the tournament in the southern hemisphere
Starting with 12 teams in 1991, Women’s World Cup has now expanded to 32 teams, mirroring the men’s tournament. Record-breaking attendances are expected at the opening matches of the co-hosts.
The 2023 tournament is set to surpass the 1.3 million attendance record from 2015, with nearly 1.4 million tickets already sold.
“It will set the tone for a Women’s World Cup that I expect to become a watershed moment in global women’s sports,” FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer Sarai Bareman said.
New Zealand faces Norway in Auckland, aiming for their first-ever World Cup win after five previous appearances without success.
Norway, with Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg, seeks redemption after a disappointing European Championships exit.
“We must play every match as if it’s our last,” she said. “We need to really bleed for each other and bleed for our uniform, because nothing comes free.”
Australia, led by the iconic Chelsea forward Sam Kerr, anticipates her goal-scoring prowess on home soil. Kerr, also featured on the global cover of FIFA 23, is a fan-favourite with 55 goals in her last 72 internationals.
“It’s about entertainment and having fun and showing what football is about. Maybe it might (happen), maybe it won’t,” Kerr said.
