The biggest FIFA Women’s World Cup will finally get under way today Thursday.

Australia and New Zealand are co-hosting the ninth edition, which for the first time will feature 32 nations including defending world champions the United States.

It is the first Women’s World Cup with two co-hosts.

New Zealand launch the tournament against Norway before Australia play the Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia, Sydney, on the same day.

As well as the Republic of Ireland, seven other nations are making their debuts at this World Cup – Vietnam, Zambia, Haiti, Morocco, Panama, the Philippines and Portugal.

The final takes place at Stadium Australia on August 20.