The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is set to make history as the first-ever tournament co-hosted by two nations from different confederations—Australia and New Zealand. Spanning nine cities across the two countries, the event will kick off at Auckland’s iconic Eden Park and culminate with the final at Sydney’s Stadium Australia. The semifinals will be divided between the two host nations, reflecting a format previously seen in events like the 2015 Cricket World Cup, which was also jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand. This groundbreaking tournament will feature an expanded lineup of 32 teams, up from 24 in the 2019 edition held in France, where the U.S. women’s national team emerged as champions. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the event’s potential to inspire and transform women’s football globally, building on the success of the 2019 tournament. The host cities and stadiums include Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Stadium, Brisbane Stadium, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, and Wellington’s Te Whanganui-a-Tara-Wellington Stadium, among others. The full schedule is expected to be announced later this year, following an eight-month selection process involving member federations from both countries.
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Tight bight, small city: Virus sidelines ship, creates buzz
The small coastal town of Eastport, Maine, with a population of just 1,300, has become the temporary home to the Oceania Riviera, a massive cruise ship that towers over the community. The ship’s arrival highlights the challenges cruise companies face in finding docking locations during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has halted global cruise operations since mid-March. Chris Gardner, director of the Port of Eastport, likened the situation to a game of musical chairs, questioning where these ships can go when the music stops. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has banned cruises in U.S. waters until July 24, leaving thousands of crew members stranded at sea. While some Eastport residents initially feared the ship’s crew might introduce the virus to the area, these concerns were alleviated as crew members are not permitted to disembark. The Oceania Riviera, nearly 800 feet long and accompanied by a crew of 131, is being kept in a “warm layup” state, meaning it remains operational but without passengers. Eastport’s maritime facility, rebuilt in 2017 after its Breakwater Pier collapsed, is uniquely suited to host such a large vessel. The town, once known as the nation’s sardine capital, is now embracing the ship’s presence. Local businesses, including a waterfront restaurant that sold out of fish due to increased visitors, are benefiting from the unexpected influx of attention. Kevin Raye, president of the local chamber of commerce, described the ship as “magnificent” and a potential lifeline for struggling small businesses. While some residents are less enthusiastic, many local leaders hope this visit will pave the way for future cruise ship tourism, generating goodwill and revenue for the town.