Footy fever _{by Alessia Belsito-Riera}

Something is afoot in Wellington this winter.

Every four years, the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ chooses the cream of the crop from across the globe to compete in the largest women’s sporting event in the world. 10 world-class football teams will compete in 64 matches across New Zealand and Australia to be crowned world champions in this year’s tournament.

Te Whanganui-a-Tara will host nine matches total at Wellington Regional Stadium: seven Group Matches, a Round of Sixteen clash on the 5^th of August, and a Quarter Final on the 11^th of August. The first Pōneke match will be held on the 21^st of July and sees Spain face off against Costa Rica. Our very own Football Ferns play on the 25^th of July versing the Philippines. South Africa and Sweden will be hosted and train in Porirua and Upper Hutt respectively for the duration of the event.

Between the 20^th of July and the 20^th of August, the coolest little capital will be transformed into a football city. So even if you aren’t heading out to one of the big games, there are plenty of ways to get involved with the FIFA Women's World Cup™.

The FIFA Fan Festival™ at Shed 6 on Wellington’s waterfront will be the hub for all things football. Open at various times throughout the tournament, the Fan Festival is free entry, and everyone is welcome. Patrons can enjoy live music, local food, entertainment, and games, plus matches will be livestreamed, allowing all ages to participate in the tournament.

Grab some kai and tap into some of the interactive games like football darts, multiball, or reaction station. Check out the schedule online to explore the diverse line-up of bands, artists, DJs, comedians, speakers, and performances including Ria Hall, Tahini Bikini, JessB, Ladyhawke, Soft Plastics, and more iconic Kiwi entertainers.

Find your footing in Wellington for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ and find out more at www.fifa.com