Aotearoa New Zealand experienced a taste of the excitement that can be expected while co-hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ later this year when the Football Ferns took on the USA earlier this month. 

With just six months to go until the tournament kicks off on 20th July 2023 at Eden Park, the two matches – hosted in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland – gave football fans an opportunity to watch world-class female athletes showcase their skills and talent including previous World Cup winners Mallory Swanson and Alex Morgan. 

The rising popularity of women’s football is undeniable with both matches drawing record crowds for a women’s football match in Aotearoa (total spectator numbers hit 12,700 in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland) and 500,000 tickets to the tournament already sold to fans from more than 120 countries. 

This trailblazing tournament will be the largest women’s sporting event in the world, with all 64 matches played over 32 days being broadcasted live around the world. With all eyes on Aotearoa New Zealand, the tournament will be a chance for our beautiful motu (country) to showcase its people, places, culture and unique spirit of manaakitanga (hospitality and warmth) with players, fans and manuhiri (visitors). 

To find out how your clients can purchase tickets plus get the latest news, head to the official FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ website(opens in new window).

Future Key Dates 

• February 2023: playoff tournament hosted in Kirikirioa Hamilton and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 
• February–July 2023: trophy tour across 30 countries including the nine host cities 
• 20th July 2023: opening ceremony and tournament kick off match between the Ford Football Ferns and Norway