July 20 marks two years to go until the FIFA Women's World Cup graces the shores of Australia and New Zealand.
Alanna Kennedy was in the room when FIFA President, Gianni Infantino announced that the trans-Tasman nations would host a ground-breaking, cross-confederation World Cup.
“The emotion that overcame me was happiness and excitement," Kennedy said of the night Australia and New Zealand learnt they would be joint-hosts.
A major tournament on home soil is not something that happens every day and the thought excites the 92-time capped Matilda.
"I was so happy to know that we were going to have the opportunity to play in our sport’s biggest tournament in front of our friends and family at home. Obviously that’s not something that everyone gets to do in their career.”
The players on the pitch aren't the only ones set to benefit and enjoy all that comes with a FIFA Women's World Cup occurring in our own backyards.
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“I think it will give our sport a lot more exposure in Australia,” Kennedy explained.
“It’ll inspire the next generation. The impact it can have on young girls, being able to see their idols in such a positive light on such a huge stage, will hopefully inspire them to want to do the same.”
While the focus is now on Tokyo 2020, Kennedy is already looking forward to big crowds, decked out in green and gold, cheering on the Matildas in stadiums around Australia.
“I'm most looking forward to the growth that we’ll have as a team and having the support Australia," she said.
"Having a home crowd behind us on the biggest stage for our sport will be special, and I’m really looking forward to that."