Singers Benee and Mallrat, from New Zealand and Australia respectively, come onto the pitch now to perform ‘Do It Again’, the official song of the World Cup.

Image source, Getty Images

The opening ceremony begins with a performance by Maori and First Nations dancers and singers, before groups of dancers representing each of the competing nations take to the pitch.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Reuters

The lights have just gone out around Eden Park and some moody music has begun, so the opening ceremony is under way.

Don't forget you can watch it on BBC iPlayer and online.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Reuters

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport at Eden Park

Image source, BBC Sport

You can just about make out two flags flying at half-mast above the stand on the far side of the press box following the deadly shooting in Auckland earlier on Thursday.

Image source, BBC Sport

Co-captain Ali Riley believes New Zealand are ready to put on a show and mark opening the Women's World Cup by winning their first game at the tournament.

“I think we've done everything we can do to be ready for this moment," she said.

"I think just now it's about enjoying it and embracing it and welcoming the world to this beautiful, beautiful country.

“For us, obviously our goal has been pretty clear. We want to win our first World Cup match and we want to make it out of the group."

Coverage of the opening match is under way now on BBC One and online. You can also watch a separate feed of the opening ceremony on BBC iPlayer and online.

Grab a coffee and tune in!

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport at Eden Park

Both teams are out on the pitch going through their pre-match routines. This is a huge moment for the Football Ferns. It is only the second time they have played at New Zealand's national stadium.

Lots of happy faces in the crowd. They've come wrapped up and they're keeping warm by dancing along to the music which is LOUD.

They've waited a long time for this moment. Not long now until kick-off.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Before the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, BBC Sport looks back at some fantastic goals and memorable celebrations from past tournaments.

Available to UK users only.

Anita Asante, Ellen White, Fara Williams and Gabby Logan share their World Cup insights before the start of the Women's World Cup 2023.

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport in Auckland

Auckland has had a rough 2023 after being hit by cyclones and severe flooding but it is noticeable how much the city has pulled together to embrace the biggest Women's World Cup yet.

It's a prestigious moment and the eyes of the world are on the vibrant harbour city as it gets ready to host the opening ceremony and opening game of the global tournament.

Last night, Auckland's Sky Tower - which dominates the skyline and is a popular tourist attraction offering stunning views for miles around - was lit up in honour of New Zealand's Football Ferns.

Faces of players were projected onto the 328-mettre tall structure under the words 'Fearless Forever'.

Image source, BBC Sport

Eden Park is filling up nicely and there's a big cheer as the New Zealand players emerge for their warm up.

This is a huge moment for them as not only are they co-hosting the tournament but they are also looking to win a game at a Women's World Cup for the first time.

The Football Ferns have played the most number of games at the tournament - 15 - without winning a game.

This is their sixth appearance on the global stage and, roared on by a home crowd, they will be eyeing an opportunity to reach the knockout rounds for the first time.

"I really believe these players will shine," said New Zealand boss Jitka Klimkova.

"The hard work and preparation brought us to where we are now. At this stage the preparation is done and now it is time to shine."

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport at Eden Park

Image source, BBC Sport

Eden Park's floodlights have been switched on for several hours and are shining brightly at the spiritual home of the All Blacks.

Auckland has enjoyed some sunshine and mild temperatures this week but about three hours ago we had a huge downpour in New Zealand's largest city.

Fingers crossed that will be the only rain we see today, but the forecast is not promising. Heavy winds and showers are predicted during the game before more rain sweeps in overnight.

It is winter, after all, in these parts.

There will, of course, be an opening ceremony before the first game gets under way.

What exactly that will entail is not clear yet, with details on the ceremony limited, but as ever with these things expect it to be visually impressive but also a little bit weird, with some giant dancing football boots or something.

That's scheduled to begin in around 15 minutes.

Image source, BBC Sport

This will be the ninth edition of the Women’s World Cup, which first took place in 1991.

That inaugural tournament saw 12 teams compete in China, where the United States won the first of their four world titles.

The 2023 tournament, which takes place between 20 July and 20 August, features 32 nations for the first time, having been expanded from 24 teams, with 64 matches taking place at 10 different venues across nine cities.

Check out more information about this and past tournaments with our visual guide here.

Build up to the opening game gets under way on BBC One at 07:30 BST. You can also watch online.

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport at Eden Park

Image source, BBC Sport

This is the view from the press box. Not bad, is it?

They opened the gates to fans a good two-and-half hours before kick-off. The capacity of Eden Park for this tournament is 40,536 and I'm told it will pretty much be a full house.

If so, it will be the largest crowd to watch a football match in New Zealand. The current record is 37,034 for a men's World Cup play-off match.

Rangers keeper Victoria Esson starts for New Zealand while the co-hosts also include Tottenham's Ria Percival Leicester's CJ Bott.

Brighton defender Rebekah Stott also makes the starting XI.

Defender Michaela Foster, who was working in a supermarket last year, is on the bench.

Image source, .

Norway are captained by Chelsea defender Maren Mjelde while her club team-mate Guro Reiten also makes the starting XI.

Star players Caroline Graham Hansen and Ada Hegerberg will e hoping to silence the home fans.

Image source, .

New Zealand launch the tournament against Norway at Eden Park, with kick off in that game at 08:00 BST kick-off.

Later, the Republic of Ireland make their World Cup debut as they play co-hosts at Sydney's Stadium Australia at 11:00 BST.

Organisers are hoping the opening two games will attract an aggregate crowd of 100,000 fans.

Meanwhile, European champions England begin their tournament against Haiti on Saturday, while the United States, who are bidding for a record-breaking third successive title face Vietnam on the same day.

Hello, yes the wait is finally over as the Women's World Cup gets under way today.

But just hours before the opening match in Auckland, the city woke up to news of a deadly shooting which has cast a shadow over what is supposed to be a day of celebration.

The incident in the centre of New Zealand's largest city, close to where hundreds of football supporters were due to gather at a fan park, left two people dead and six others injured.

Fifa said it had been informed it was an isolated incident and that this morning's opener at Eden Park would go ahead as planned.

Read more here.

Image source, PA Media

Almost one year to the day since England became European champions, they now have World Cup glory in their sights.

The tournament, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, promises to be the biggest and best in the competition's history, with a record 32 teams taking part.

Image source, PA Media

It all begins today as New Zealand host Norway in the World Cup opener in one hour's time.