The world football governing body, FIFA, in partnership with adidas, has unveiled the official match that will be used at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The tournament, which will see 32 nations playing for the first time in the history of the competition, will run from July 20 – August 20.
Named OCEAUNZ, this is the ninth consecutive football created by adidas, and the name reflects the coming together of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand as the host nations.
The ball is a celebration of the cultures of both countries and features designs by Aboriginal artist, Chern’ee Sutton, and Māori artist, Fiona Collis. Their art is also part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 brand identity, Beyond Greatness™.
According to a FIFA statement, “the ball features the latest Connected Ball Technology to elevate match data and insights. The design of the Official Match Ball has been inspired by the unique landscapes of host countries Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.”
The launch of the ball was a spectacular one as it travelled over the iconic Sydney (Australia) skyline by helicopter before landing at Marks Parks overlooking Bondi Beach.
“adidas has created an iconic Official Match Ball for the FIFA Women’s World Cup that reflects diversity, inclusivity and togetherness, fitting themes for the first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by two different countries from different confederations. This edition of the tournament will be extremely special and the rich cultures of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, as evoked on OCEAUNZ, are certain to take the experience of visiting fans and teams #BeyondGreatness,” said FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura who was present at the launch.
Also witnessing the event were some of the two countries’ sports personalities, including Australia and New Zealand women’s national team players Cortnee Vine and Claudia Bunge, Australian Olympic champions Jess Fox OAM and Ian Thorpe, New Zealand Rugby Union great Dan Carter ONZ, and New Zealand women’s Rugby Union player, two-time Olympic medallist Sarah Hirini.
“As a proud Kiwi, to have the number one sport in the world played in our backyard, I just know the fans are going to get right in behind this event. If you want to play a World Cup anywhere in the world, you want it to be on home soil. The advantage that gives you: familiar surroundings, playing in front of friends and family, it really is a special moment,” said Carter.
“The journey of women’s football has been exponential, I retired in 2019 which is pretty recent and even since then there has been so much advancement in every way. New technology has been introduced and every single part of the game is advancing at a rate that when I was growing up, I never thought would happen in the women’s game,” said Eniola Aluko, a Nigerian-born former England player turned commentator, who was also in attendance.
OCEAUNZ FEATURES
- OCEAUNZ features the same connected ball technology as was seen in Qatar at the FIFA World Cup 2022 – this provides precise ball data, which will be made available to Video Match Officials in real-time
- Combined with player position data and by applying artificial intelligence, the innovative connected ball technology contributes to FIFA’s semi-automated offside technology and offers Video Assistant Referees instantaneous information to help optimise decision-making.
- CTR-CORE – a ground-breaking core within the ball that is designed to improve accuracy and consistency, supporting fast, precise play with maximum shape and air retention
- SPEEDSHELL – The ball’s polyurethane (PU) skin features micro and macro textures and a new 20-piece panel shape, enhancing aerodynamics
- CONNECTED BALL TECHNOLOGY – A Suspension System in the centre of the ball hosts and stabilises a 500Hz inertial measurement unit (IMU) motion sensor, providing unprecedented insight into every element of the movement of the ball. The sensor is powered by a rechargeable battery, which can be charged by induction.
OCEAUNZ will be available to purchase in adidas stores, at selected retailers and online at www.adidas.com/football.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will kick-off with New Zealand taking on Norway in the opening match on July 20, before Australia face the Republic of Ireland later that day.
Banyana Banyana has been drawn in Group G alongside Sweden, Italy and Argentina.
They open their campaign against Sweden, before tackling South Americans Argentina and round off their group stage clashes with a match against Italy.
FULL BANYANA BANYANA WORLD CUP MATCH GROUP STAGES FIXTURES:
South Africa vs Sweden
Sunday, 23 July 2023
Wellington Regional Stadium
WELLINGTON/TE WANGANUI-A-TARA
New Zealand
17h00 local time (04h00 SA Time)
Argentina vs South Africa
Friday, 28 July 2023
Dunedin Stadium
DUNEDIN/OTEPOTI
New Zealand
12h00 local time (23h00 SA Time)
South Africa vs Italy
Wednesday, 2 August 2023
Wellington Regional Stadium
WELLINGTON/TE WANGANUI-A-TARA
New Zealand
19h00 local time (06h00 SA Time)
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 full match schedule is available for download
Tickets for the tournament are available at FIFA.com/Tickets ().
By Matlhomola Morake
