The waiting is almost over. The biggest Fifa Women’s World Cup featuring European champions England and debutants the Republic of Ireland will finally get under way on Thursday.
Australia and New Zealand are co-hosting the ninth edition, which for the first time will feature 32 nations including defending world champions the United States.
It is the first Women’s World Cup with two co-hosts.
New Zealand launch the tournament against Norway at Eden Park (08:00 BST kick-off) before Australia play the Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia, Sydney, on the same day (11:00 kick-off).
