WORLD football governing body FIFA has officially begun the countdown to the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand with 100 days before kick-off.
“The countdown to kick-off in the biggest women’s sporting event in the world is officially on, with today, Tuesday 11 April, marking 100 Days to Go until the ball starts rolling at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023,” FIFA said in a press statement made available to Naija Times today.
“To celebrate this exciting milestone, the tournament’s unique ‘Unity Beat’ was unveiled at events in Sydney/Gadigal and Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau, while the tournament’s Last-Minute Sales Phase opened at FIFA.com/tickets.
“The Unity Beat – a powerful chant that will be a sound and symbol to celebrate greatness throughout the tournament – will be an inclusive and consistent part of the fan experience at the first-ever 32-nation FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“The Unity Beat captures the energy of the upcoming tournament and women’s football and was created with the inspiration and assistance of fans from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.”
FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said the world is looking forward to the tournament, which has been expanded to 32 teams, including the Super Falcons of Nigeria.
“With just 100 Days to Go until the tournament kicks off, we are thrilled to be unveiling the Unity Beat, a sound that we believe will become synonymous with the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023,” Samoura said.
“When the Unity Beat plays in each of the tournament’s nine welcoming host cities, fans from all over the world will know that’s it’s time to join in and create a truly unforgettable atmosphere. From the streets to the stadiums, the Unity Beat will be a call to action for supporters to unite and remember the one thing that has brought them all together – football.”
The tournament is scheduled for July 20 to August 20, with the opening match to feature New Zealand against 1995 winners Norway at Eden Park.
The final will be held at the tournament’s largest venue, Stadium Australia in Sydney/Gadigal, a month later.
The Super Falcons are in Group B with co-hosts Australia, Olympic champions Canada and newcomers Republic of Ireland.
