The countdown is on for the biggest women's sporting event in the world.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Kiwis will take on the Norwegians on Thursday, July 20, for the first game of the FIFA Women's World Cup followed by Australia's opening group match against the Republic of Ireland.
For the Zambian community in Canberra the World Cup is a momentous event.
It will be the first time the landlocked African nation has qualified for a World Cup in either gender.
Ambassador of Zambia, Dr Elias Munshya said the Copper Queens had inspired a generation of young women in the African nation.
"It is important for the Zambian community because it shows the resilience of women and it is also a very important drive for women's equality," Dr Munshya said.
"This group of young women have inspired a generation of young girls in Zambia."
Zambia will be playing their group stage games in Hamilton, New Zealand with their opening match against Japan on July 22.
Midfielder Grace Chanda who plays for Spanish side Madrid CFF is a player to look out during the tournament.
The ambassador also told fans to keep an eye out for goal-scorer Racheal Kundananji. She racked up 25 league goals for Real Madrid in her first season with the team, including a brace on the final matchday of the season to hand Barcelona their first league defeat in 64 games.
Dr Munshya said the Zambian community in Canberra would be travelling to Sydney's Fan Festival at Tumbalong Park to watch the Copper Queens in style.
"There is a group of very excited Zambians from around Australia that are going to travel to Sydney," Dr Munshya said.
"There's going to be a showcasing of Zambian culture and art at the festival."
Read more:
Football fans can watch every match of the event with live music and a food feast at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour.
The festival will open on July 20 with a free public viewing area of all game day matches and Sydney-style street eats like dumplings, gozleme and pizza will be on offer.
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham encouraged football fans from around Australia to come along to the festival and support their team in the atmosphere.
