The nation's capital had a taste of the FIFA Women's World Cup with FIFA President Gianni Infantino meeting with Hon Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, and the FIFA Women's World Cup™ Trophy making an appearance at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra yesterday.
Joining the FIFA President for the meeting with the PM were Football Australia Chair Chris Nikou and CEO James Johnson.
The focal point of the meeting was the unprecedented success of the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup™ in Australia, evidenced by recording-breaking spectator attendances and broadcast viewership, and inspiring performances by the CommBank Matildas. With over 1.8 million ticket sales across Australia and New Zealand, the tournament is now the most successful FIFA Women's World Cup™ ever held.
Immediately following the meeting, a special event was held at Parliament House where the PM, FIFA President, MPs, Senators, and members of the wider football community gathered to commemorate the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup™ and its impact on Australian society. After holding the trophy aloft with the PM, the FIFA President addressed attendees and expressed his personal gratitude at how the Australian public had embraced the World Cup and have elevated it to a whole new level:
"Football is so important for society, for inclusion, for the community, for economic growth, for physical health, for mental health and for happiness," the FIFA President said. "It is important for children because through football and playing football, they learn. They learn how to play as a team, how to count on the team-mates, how to win, but also how to lose.
"And, most importantly, how to get up after defeat and go for the next game that we want to win, which is what happened to the Matildas. After defeat they all endured, and the whole country concentrated on the next game because you wanted to win that next game."
"This tournament is a great event, and you are all really fantastic - a proud country, a country with a rich, rich history, a country which has put up the best FIFA Women's World Cup ever.
"Thank you for having us here, for everything you do for football, for your children, for your girls, for your boys, in this beautiful country. And, thank you for uniting the entire world here in Australia and in New Zealand," Infantino concluded.
The FIFA World Cup™ Trophy then made its way to the University of Canberra, where hundreds of football fans took up the opportunity for a photo with the prized silverware, before a final appearance by the trophy before the diplomatic corps of Canberra to be attended by Assistant Foreign Minister Tim Watts.
Football Australia Chair, Chris Nikou, emphasised Football Australia's role as Host Association of the FIFA Women's World Cup and the impact it will have on the community.
"As Chair of Football Australia, I'm immensely proud of what we have achieved so far. This historic edition of the FIFA Women's World Cup has been a testament to our dedication, teamwork, and passion for football.
"We've not only hosted an unprecedented global event but have demonstrated the powerful role football plays in shaping our society, especially in terms of gender equality and diversity. I strongly believe that the legacy of this tournament will continue to inspire and shape the future of football in Australia, New Zealand, and beyond," Nikou added.
James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia, emphasised the profound legacy that the FIFA Women's World Cup™ is poised to leave in Australia, particularly regarding equality in participation in the nation's most popular team sport. Johnson made a clarion call for further investment in facilities, Australia's National Teams (The Subway Socceroos and CommBank Matildas) and future opportunities to host global football events, such as Australia's AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 bid.
"This FIFA Women's World Cup has proven that we can turn dreams into reality," Johnson stated, highlighting the record-breaking 1.8 million tickets sales to date, a significant leap from the 1.1 million tickets sold in Paris in 2019.
"Envision the social and health benefits that would flow with 400,000 more women and girls playing the game. This is the aspiration driving our Legacy '23 initiative, and with record viewership and national broadcast reach for our CommBank Matildas' victories, it's clear we're on the right path.
"Monday night's CommBank Matildas' victory over Canada, was the most watched program on the Seven network in 2023 with a national broadcast reach of 4.71 million.
"We are witnessing a landmark moment in the history of football not just for Australia and New Zealand but for the world at large. This tournament has proven the game's far-reaching appeal, underpinned by its power to unite people across age groups and backgrounds.
"Our journey is only beginning. We are committed to creating an environment that bolsters the growth of women's football, fosters inclusivity, and nurtures an enduring passion for the game," Johnson concluded.
