While it is now just over 24 hours until the Football Ferns kick off their Olympic Games campaign against trans-Tasman rivals Australia, today also marks two years until the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, kicks off.

While it’s a coincidence that the trans-Tasman rivals and hosts were drawn together for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, their opening game is an apt way to mark the milestone, says Football Ferns captain Ali Riley.

“What better way to mark just two years before the biggest sporting event ever to hit New Zealand shores than to be playing each against our 2023 co-hosts Australia?

“While we’re rivals when we step on the pitch, off the pitch we’re so excited to be working closely together to put on one of the best ever World Cups.

“The beginning of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ represents such an incredible moment for football in the Asia-Pacific, and we’re looking forward to seeing what opportunities the next couple of years will bring before it.”

The Football Ferns play the Matildas in their opening game of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games on 21 July 2021 at 8.30pm JST/11.30pm NZT. The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ kicks off on 20 July, 2023.

Article added: Tuesday 20 July 2021