Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour Arrives in Morocco

Rabat – The Women’s World Cup trophy tour has arrived in Morocco as part of a 32-country tour that aims to “inspire global excitement” ahead of the tournament, which will take place in Australia and New Zealand between July 20 and August 20.

Morocco’s Royal Football Federation (FRMF) received the trophy at the Mohammed VI football complex on Sunday with the presence of players from the Moroccan women’s national team, including the squad’s captain Ghizlane Chebbak and midfielder Fatima Tagnaouti.

In addition, the event saw the presence of the Australian ambassador to Morocco Michael Cutts, the representative of New Zealand’s government in Morocco, as well as representatives from FIFA.

FIFA indicated that the tour, which is the “biggest-ever” Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour, seeks to “inspire people of all ages by ‘Going Beyond’ to celebrate the rocketing popularity of the women’s game.”

The tour began on February 25 and will make stops in Asia, Africa, South America, North America, and Europe until May 22. It will then stop in nine cities in Australia and New Zealand which will host the World Cup games.

Read also: FIFA: Women’s Football Enjoys Growing Global Momentum

For FIFA, this “game-changing journey” will be a “unique opportunity” for the public, especially girls and women, to share their footballing skills with a wider, global audience.

The tour will include a “Skills Drills” which will give participants the opportunity to participate in “fun football challenges that become tougher over time.”

Describing the tour as a “global celebration of the women’s game,” FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said that the tour “will inspire people worldwide by shining a spotlight on the skills and creativity that demonstrate why women’s football has such a bright future.”

The 2023 Women’s World Cup will mark the Atlas Lionesses’ first-ever participation in the sporting event. The national team qualified for the tournament after Morocco defeated Botswana during the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in 2022.

Last week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced a “significant increase” in the funding for the teams and players participating in the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The prize money will amount to $152 million, representing a 300% increase compared to the previous edition.

“Today, (we are) embarking on a historic journey for women’s football and for equality,” said Infantino.