Photographs of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
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.

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
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.

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
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.

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
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.

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
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.

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
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

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
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
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