New Zealand and Australia, cohosts of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, opened the tournament with 1-0 wins on THU 20 JUL 2023. New Zealand defeated Norway, whilst Australia won against Ireland Rep.

Both matches were preceded by a moment of silence in honour of the victims of the shooting in Auckland/​Tāmaki Makaurau earlier in the day, in which three people were dead and six more injured.

In the opening match of the tournament, the Football Ferns took the early lead in Group A. Hannah WILKINSON scored the only goal of the match, finishing a cross from Jacqui HAND shortly after the halftime interval. It was New Zealand’s first ever win at a World Cup, men’s or women’s.

The Matildas also opened their tournament with a strong showing before a massive crowd. Despite prematch news that captain Sam KERR would miss their first two matches due to a calf injury, Australia outlasted Ireland Rep in the first match in Group B. The decisive goal came on a penalty by Steph CATLEY, wearing the captain’s armband in Kerr’s stead.

New Zealand continue their tournament against the Philippines on TUE 25 JUL 2023. Australia’s next match is against Nigeria on THU 27 JUL 2023.