FIFA Women's World Cup trophy starts tour in Australia from host city Sydney

Photo taken on June 8, 2023 shows the FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy in exhibition during a launching ceremony of the FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy tour held at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia. The trophy will visit locations across Sydney and regional New South Wales (NSW), enabling football fans across the state to see the greatest prize in women's football first-hand. (Xinhua/Wang Qi)

SYDNEY, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The FIFA Women's World Cup trophy on Thursday commenced its tour in Australia from Sydney, one of the 2023 tournament's host cities, with about 42 days left before the kick-off on July 20.

From Thursday to Monday, the trophy will visit locations across Sydney and regional New South Wales (NSW), enabling football fans across the state to see the greatest prize in women's football first-hand.

During a launching ceremony held at Sydney's iconic Taronga Zoo, along with the Opera House and the arch of the Harbor Bridge as its backdrop, the trophy was jointly unveiled by NSW Premier Chris Minns, NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper, and FIFA Women's World Cup legend and former U.S. goalkeeper Briana Scurry.

"The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 is the pinnacle of the sport and throughout July and August, Australian football fans will get to witness the highs, lows, thrills, and excitement right here on home soil," said Minns.

The premier pointed out that the Trophy Tour is another milestone in the build-up to the tournament, which will give fans of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to feel part of the contest.

"The FIFA Women's World Cup will see 32 teams compete across 64 matches during July and August with 11 games in Sydney, including a semifinal and final," Kamper noted.

"The FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy Tour 2023 is an opportunity for communities across our state to unite in their love of football and celebrate the tournament coming to our shores," the minister added.

After a five-day stay in NSW, the trophy will next head to Melbourne, the capital city of Victoria, for a three-day exhibition.

The FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy Tour 2023 has visited each of the 32 qualified teams as part of a mission to inspire and spotlight future female football talent, build excitement, and increase support ahead of the tournament.

According to FIFA, this year marks the largest FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy Tour to date. ■

FIFA Women's World Cup Legend and former U.S. goalkeeper Briana Scurry (R) unveils the trophy with New South Wales (NSW) state premier Chris Minns during a launching ceremony of the FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy tour held at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia. The trophy will visit locations across Sydney and regional New South Wales (NSW), enabling football fans across the state to see the greatest prize in women's football first-hand. (Xinhua/Wang Qi)

FIFA Women's World Cup Legend and former U.S. goalkeeper Briana Scurry (2nd R) holding the trophy poses with Australian women's football players during a launching ceremony of the FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy tour held at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia. The trophy will visit locations across Sydney and regional New South Wales (NSW), enabling football fans across the state to see the greatest prize in women's football first-hand. (Xinhua/Wang Qi)

Photo taken on June 8, 2023 shows the FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy in exhibition during a launching ceremony of the FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy tour held at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia. The trophy will visit locations across Sydney and regional New South Wales (NSW), enabling football fans across the state to see the greatest prize in women's football first-hand. (Xinhua/Wang Qi)