In a first for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, all nine host cities in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand will introduce the FIFA Fan Festival, an activation offering football fanatics a vibrant backdrop to celebrate the largest women’s sporting event in the world.

The FIFA Fan Festival is an all-ages, free-to-the-public event, allowing fans to immerse themselves in a celebration of football, music, entertainment, and local culture.

The event, previously known as the FIFA Fan Fest, has appeared at four editions of the FIFA World Cup, making its rebranded debut in last year’s 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Additionally, the fan festivals will be tailored to each venue’s local climate, matchdays, and kick-off times, broadcasting the tournament on big screens to keep fans in on the action.

Commenting on the initiative, FIFA secretary general, Fatma Samoura, said: “Whether you are an avid fan or a football newcomer, the FIFA Fan Festival provides an exciting entertainment space that brings people together beyond football.”

“Our mission is to make football truly global, accessible, and inclusive, and these exciting events provide an opportunity to experience football in new ways in a fun festival environment,” she said. The activation will run alongside the tournament from 20 July to 20 August.

This announcement comes after FIFA launched an education programme to develop their digital expertise.