Are you ready? The FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™ is almost with us, with just 26 days to go until the tournament kicks off at Parc des Princes in Paris.
The opening fixture will see hosts France take on Korea Republic at 9.00pm local time on 7 June (5.00am AEST), with the Westfield Matildas in action for the first time when they face Italy in Valenciennes on 9 June at 1.00pm local time (9.00pm AEST).
www.matildas.com.au is running a series of features counting down the days until the Westfield Matildas make their play for the trophy, continuing today with No.26...
HOW TO WATCH: The FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™ in Australia
GET KITTED OUT: All you need to know about the Westfield Matildas new Nike shirts
COMING NEXT: Australia re-affirms bid to host FIFA Women's World Cup 2023
After years in the planning, the first FIFA Women's World Cup was hosted by China in November 1991.
Twelve teams took part in the inaugural competition: Brazil, China, Chinese Taipei, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Sweden and the USA, with the historic first match ending in a comfortable 4-0 win for the hosts against Norway.
The Norwegians recovered well from that early setback, going on to reach the final, where they faced the United States.
After 26 matches, it was the USA who earned the right to call themselves the sport's first women's world champions, defeating Norway 2-1 in the final thanks to two goals from the tournament's top scorer, Michelle Akers.
They were worthy champions, scoring 25 goals in their six games, and conceding just five.
World Cup Countdown: 30, 29, 28, 27 days to go
FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ – Group C – Australia Matches
Australia v Italy
Date: Sunday, 9 June 2019 (AEST)
Venue: Stade du Hainaut, Valenciennes
Kick-off: 9.00pm AEST (1.00pm local time, same day)
Australia v Brazil
Date: Friday, 14 June 2019 (AEST)
Venue: Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier
Kick-off: 2.00am AEST (6.00pm local time, Thursday 13 June)
Jamaica v Australia
Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2019 (AEST)
Venue: Stade des Alpes, Grenoble
Kick-off: 5.00am AEST (9.00pm local time, Tuesday 18 June)
Click below to #GetOnside for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ in Australia
