The stage is set for the start of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, the first time either country has hosted a men's or women's World Cup.
It is the ninth edition of the Women's World Cup and the first to be hosted by more than one nation. The 2023 tournament will also feature an expanded field of 32 teams instead of the 24 in recent tournaments.
Reigning champions USA are the most successful country in the competition's history, lifting the trophy a total of four times. However, they will face tough competition from England, Spain, Australia, Canada, and France.
The Sporting News looks at the key details of the opening match in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
MORE: Complete FIFA Women's World Cup schedule
When is first Women's World Cup match?
Like all other major international fixtures, the host country will take part in the opening game of the tournament.
New Zealand will feature in the first match, hours before co-hosts Australia take the field for the second match of the 2023 World Cup.
The Football Ferns of New Zealand will face Norway in the inaugural match of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. The fixture will take place on July 20, 2023 at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
Australia's opener will take place later on the same day as they face the Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia, also known as the Sydney Olympic Stadium.
New Zealand vs Norway date, kickoff time
Norway have appeared in every edition of the Women's World Cup so far, and also won the competition back in 1995.
New Zealand have been regulars of late, featuring in each of the last four editions, but they have never made it past the group phase or won a match at the tournament.
The Women's World Cup opener at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand kicks off on Thursday, July 20 at 7 p.m. local time. Here's how that time translates across some of the other major territories:
| Region | Date | Kickoff time |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Thu, July 20 | 3 a.m. ET |
| Canada | Thu, July 20 | 3 a.m. ET |
| UK | Thu, July 20 | 8 a.m. BST |
| Australia | Thu, July 20 | 5 p.m. AEST |
| India | Thu, July 20 | 12:30 p.m. IST |
| Hong Kong | Thu, July 20 | 3 p.m. HKT |
| Malaysia | Thu, July 20 | 3 p.m. MYT |
| Singapore | Thu, July 20 | 3 p.m. SGT |
| New Zealand | Thu, July 20 | 7 p.m. NZST |
MORE: All the teams that have qualified to the 2023 World Cup
Women's World Cup opening ceremony
The opening ceremony of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup will take place before New Zealand's clash with Norway.
Not all the details have been released, but the main musical performance has already been revealed.
Australian musician Mallrat collaborated with New Zealand artist Benee for the official song of the tournament called 'Do It Again.' They will perform the track at the opening ceremony together ahead of the first game of the competition.