World football governing body FIFA has launched the game-changing ‘Going Beyond’ initiative in an aim to drum up excitement across the planet ahead of the watershed FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 to be co-hosted by Australia & New Zealand mid-year.
The iconic 47 cm trophy will embark on a journey to all the 32 participating nations.
In cementing the drive for athleticism, dynamism and elegance of the women’s game, selected budding women and girl players from the public who have participated in a program called ‘Skills Drills’ will get an opportunity to exhibit their football prowess as well as mingling with influential people ranging from FIFA Legends to local football stars and everything in-between to highlight emerging talents. This will be the pivot of this whole unique mission.
Stops in Asia, Africa, South America, North America and Europe will conclude by visits to all the all nine Women’s World Cup host cities in the grand finale of the tour a few weeks before the start of the tournament on 20 July.
FIFA.com reports that key dates of the tour includes stops in China PR on 9-11 March, South Africa on 22-23 March, Brazil on 29-30 March, USA on 10-14 April, Canada on 19-20 April, Germany on 2-3 May, England on 13-14 May and France on 20-21 May.
Talking to the media on the launch of the tour, FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said, “The FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour is a spectacular global celebration of the women’s game, giving fans, families and future football enthusiasts an opportunity to be inspired and become part of a truly special journey.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to experience the most coveted prize in women’s football in person and hear from the game’s legends. The tour will inspire people worldwide by shining a spotlight on the skills and creativity that demonstrate why women’s football has such a bright future.”
Month | Dates | Member Association |
Feb | 25-26 | Japan |
Feb | 27 | Korea Republic |
Mar | 1-2 | Philippines |
Mar | 4-5 | Vietnam |
Mar | 9-11 | China PR |
Mar | 20 | Morocco |
Mar | 22-23 | South Africa |
Mar | 24 | Zambia |
Mar | 26 | Nigeria |
Mar | 29-30 | Brazil |
Mar | 31 | Argentina |
Apr | 3 | Colombia |
Apr | 7 | Costa Rica |
Apr | 10-14 | USA |
Apr | 16 | Jamaica |
Apr | 19-20 | Canada |
Apr/May | 29-1 | Switzerland |
May | 2-3 | Germany |
May | 4 | Denmark |
May | 6-7 | Sweden |
May | 8 | Norway |
May | 10 | Republic of Ireland |
May | 13-14 | England |
May | 16 | Italy |
May | 18 | Netherlands |
May | 20-21 | France |
May | 22 | Spain |
June | 2-4 | Auckland, NZ |
June | 7-12 | Sydney, AUS |
June | 14-16 | Melbourne, AUS |
June | 17-20 | Hamilton, NZ |
June | 22-25 | Dunedin, NZ |
Jun/Jul | 28-1 | Brisbane, AUS |
July | 2-4 | Adelaide, AUS |
July | 7-10 | Perth, AUS |
July | 12-14 | Wellington, NZ |