Calls for equality as FIFA Women's World Cup kicks off in Australia and New Zealand

The ninth FIFA Women's World Cup has kicked off in Australia and New Zealand on Thursday, 20 July. This year's edition will be the biggest in the tournament's 32-year history. But compared to the men's competition - it's still very much a tale of two tournaments. The Matildas released a video ahead of the start of the Women's World Cup, reflecting on what they have fought for at past tournaments and demanding more action on continued inequality in the game. This includes lower prize money for the women's tournament, at around a quarter of the amount offered at the men's tournament last year. Players and experts are saying that FIFA must honour its commitments to gender equality in football, if the biggest women's sporting event in history is to have a lasting impact.

Steph Catley of Australia scores a penalty goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 soccer match between Australia and the Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Thursday, July 20, 2023. Source: AAP / DAN HIMBRECHTS