The countdown to FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 is on, with Wednesday, July 20, marking just one year to go until the tournament kicks off in Australasia.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 is the largest women's sporting event in the world.
It will feature 32 teams playing 64 matches in four cities in Aotearoa New Zealand – Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Dunedin – and five cities in Australia.
As the only South Island host city, Dunedin is celebrating this major milestone by lighting up the stadium with FIFA colours, along with other fun activities involving the community.
A community event and activation supported by Football South, DVML and the Dunedin City Council took place in the stadium today, including a human formation of the numbers 365, fun football activities, and a skills session with Football Fern Emma Rolston.
“Dunedin is gearing up to host one of the world’s highest profile sporting tournaments, with preparations well underway across the council and our city partners,” says Mayor of Dunedin Aaron Hawkins.
“With six matches being played in Dunedin a year from now, we’re looking forward to getting in front of fans from around the globe and welcoming an influx of spectators to the city.”
Three Wellington buildings – the Michael Fowler Centre, Parliament and the Wellington Railway Station building – will also be lit up in FIFA colours and artwork from Tuesday night. The eight other host cities in Aotearoa and Australia will also illuminate buildings as a sign of unity.‚Äã
Wellington Mayor Andy Foster, himself a passionate football player and supporter, is fizzing with excitement as the city marks one year till the FIFA Women’s World Cup comes to the capital.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup will be the largest sporting event ever hosted in Wellington where it will bridge cultures and connect people from around the world as they get out to support their team.
“Wellington’s streets will come alive with the sort of colour, noise and fun that only a big football tournament can create. I know local businesses – especially those in the hospitality, retail and accommodation sectors – can’t wait for the event to arrive.
“It’s good for women’s sport, good for football and good for Wellington. It’s going to be something special.”
WellingtonNZ marketing and communications general manager Todd Barberel says the enormity and scale of the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be like nothing Aotearoa has seen before.
“Wellington is proud to host the teams and fans, and we can’t wait to show them the best of Wellington passion and manaakitanga.
“Hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Wellington is an opportunity to shine a light on all women’s sports and the next generation of talent. We’re so delighted that sports players across codes are joining us to celebrate the one year to go milestone.”
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 New Zealand COO Jane Patterson said it was fantastic to kick off the official countdown to the tournament with celebrations across both host nations.
“The four host cities across Aotearoa have really embraced the One Year To Go milestone with some inspiring events today. You can feel the excitement building, especially with more teams qualifying.”
