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.

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.

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.

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.

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.