Two woman in green and gold clothing embracing excitedly in front of a crowd.

When the FIFA Women’s World Cup came to the Southern Hemisphere in mid-2023, the Library commissioned photographers to document Australia’s response to this international sporting event and to capture the love and support for our national team.

Explore the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup images in Trove

Several people at the front of a crowd jumping up and cheering.
Leigh Henningham, Matildas fans celebrate an Australian goal at a public screening of the Australia Vs France 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup match at Federation Square, Melbourne, Victoria, 12 August, nla/obj-3254739794

As FIFA fever swept across the nation, the images taken by these photographers captured the increasing support for the Matildas and the rising interest in women's football in Australia.

The backs of two people standing infront of a lit up corkboard that shows messages of support for the Matildas.
Hayden Brotchie, letters to be sent from fans to the Matildas at the screening of the Australia vs Ireland FIFA Women's World Cup match at the Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, New South Wales, 20 July, nla.obj-3265184934

Dreams were realised, hearts were broken, and as the crowds of supporters swelled, the Library’s photographers were there to capture this milestone in sporting history. The result is an enduring visual record showing the growth in engagement with football (soccer) in Australia and support of the Matildas.

A country road with a road sign to the left that reads 'Welcome to Grenfell. Home of Clare Hunt. Go Matildas.'
Sam Russell, Welcome to Grenfell road sign decorated with a green and gold sign 'Home of Clare Hunt. Go Matildas' for the Matildas semi-final game in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Grenfell, N.A.W., 16 August, nla.obj-3235258609

Football is one of the most popular sports worldwide, and women’s football has become an increasingly popular cultural force in Australia and internationally with the Matildas emerging as one of Australia’s most popular national teams.

Two woman in green and gold clothing embracing excitedly in front of a crowd.
Leigh Henningham, Matildas fans reacting to an Australian goal at a public screening of the Australia vs Canada 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup match at Federation Square, Melbourne, Victoria, 31 July, nla.obj-3254738517

As the first Women’s World Cup held in the Southern Hemisphere, this tournament was jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand. With matches hosted around the country, this represented a prime chance to capture the public responses to an international women’s sport competition held in our own backyard.

A crowd of people sitting in the stands at a sports stadium.
Leigh Henningham, View of the crowd at a public screening of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Australia vs England semi-final at AAMI Park Stadium Melbourne, Victoria, 16 August, nla.obj-3254740510
A large crowd of people in a square in front of a lit up cube-shaped building.
Leigh Henningham, Fans at a public screening of the Australia vs Ireland 2023 FIFA Women's World CUp match at Federation Square, Melbourne, Victoria, 20 July, nla.obj-3254739158

The National Library of Australia acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples – the First Australians – as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Cultural Notification

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive including the records of people who have passed away.

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