“The Unity Pitch really is a true representation of everything the FIFA Women’s World Cup stands for – unity and inclusivity.” In one neat statement, Jane Fernandez, Chief Operating Officer, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 (Australia) aptly sums up what the tournament’s Unity Pitch symbolises and, indeed, what awaits for football fans come July and August. For residents in Brisbane/Meaanjin, the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ has never felt so close. Monday saw tickets back on sale globally, the 100-day milestone marked and announcement of the exciting Unity Beat.

Meanwhile in the Brisbane/Meaanjin city centre, the tournament’s Unity Pitch opened on the historic King George Square, adding a 21st century splash of colour in front of the square’s imposing City Hall and its classic Italian Renaissance architecture.

The Unity Pitch, which is visiting all nine Host Cities, represents a patchwork of the tournament brand colours and reflects the two unique local cultures of Australia and New Zealand. For seven days, locals will be able to engage with the tournament in the most tangible way possible – playing on the Unity Pitch. A cavalcade of activities will be featured throughout the week – exhibition matches, club training sessions, multicultural engagement programs, Powerchair football and walking football just to name a few – while there are also numerous opportunities for the general public to test their skills. “It’s great to be here on our vibrant Unity Pitch here in the heart of Brisbane,” Fernandez added. “I’m sure the local community cannot wait to come down here and have a kick-around. “We are so excited with just 100 days to go – the momentum is really behind all of us. We can’t wait to see all of you in the stands cheering on your team.”

The modern and vibrant metropolis that is Brisbane/Meaanjin - venue for the 2032 Olympic Games - looms as a major Host City during Australia & New Zealand 2023.

Eight matches are scheduled at Brisbane Stadium, including Australia’s potentially pivotal Group B match against Nigeria, and the group-stage blockbuster that is France against Brazil. Queensland, whose capital is Brisbane/Meaanjin, will also be the Base Camp for Australia, Brazil, Republic of Ireland and Nigeria during the competition. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who is a Football Australia Legacy ’23 Ambassador said: “I’ve always said you can’t be what you can’t see, so this is a great opportunity for young women and girls who aspire to play the game now and in the future. It is wonderful to see the excitement and enthusiasm. Queensland has the welcome mat out [for the Matildas] and all the teams

Football Australia Technical Director - Women’s Football, and Australia U-17 national women’s team coach Rae Dower added: “It feels really real now. It is great to see the excitement among all the young girls and boys for what is going to be the biggest and best FIFA Women’s World Cup in history. “The participation boom that is expected is really exciting, and we are looking forward to being able to cater for the expected rise in participation and look forward to further investment in facilities to allow girls and women to play this wonderful game.”