Why are New Zealand called the Football Ferns? World Cup co-host's nickname explained

Tom Macrae

Why are New Zealand called the Football Ferns? World Cup co-host's nickname explained image

New Zealand opened their 2023 World Cup campaign with a massive 1-0 win over Norway on opening night at Eden Park.

There is a growing swell of support for the side as one of the two host nations of this 2023 Women's World Cup.

But why are they nicknamed the Football Ferns?

The Sporting News explains their unique Monicker as the World Cup heats up in Australia and New Zealand.

Why are New Zealand called the Football Ferns?

The Football Ferns is a direct reference to the famous silver fern (Alsophila dealbata), a tree fern endemic to New Zealand that has become a popular symbol of the country. 

The silver fern logo has graced All Blacks jerseys for over 100 years and can be seen across many of New Zealand's national team logos and uniforms. 

MORE: New Zealand vs Norway score, result and highlights as hosts win Women's World Cup 2023 opener

When do New Zealand play next in the Women's World Cup?

New Zealand's second match at the Women's World Cup will kickoff at 5:30p.m. (NZST) on Tuesday, July 25th. They will take on the Philippines in the second round of fixtures in Group A, and could cement their place in the Round of 16 with a win, which would be their first appearance in a World Cup knockout round.

MORE: Women's World Cup 2023 Group A table, standings, schedule and fixtures

Where to watch New Zealand vs. Philippines TV channel, live stream

For Australian viewers, the clash will be shown live and exclusively on Optus Sport. 

Optus Sport is available via a monthly subscription which costs $24.99 or $6.99 for eligible, existing Optus customers. 

UK viewers can watch it on the ITV and its various online outlets, while in the United States of America, the game will be screened on FS1 on TV and streamed on Peacock and other platforms.

MORE: Women's World Cup games today

This clash at the Women's World Cup will be broadcast in many other countries, either online or via their broadcasters.

Here is where fans can watch the match worldwide:

Country Television Streaming
Australia Optus Sport Optus Sport website/app
New Zealand Sky Sport 1 Sky Sport NOW
USA FS1, NBC Universo (Spanish) Peacock, Universo NOW, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo
Canada TSN, RDS (French) TSN+, RDS Direct (French)
UK ITV 1, STV Scotland ITVX, STV Player
Singapore FIFA WWC CH01 MeWatch
Hong Kong
Malaysia
India

Tom Macrae

Tom Macrae Photo

Tom joined The Sporting News in 2022 ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. A journalism student at Western Sydney University, Tom covered the 2020/21 A-Leagues season with The Football Sack and is a lifelong Newcastle United fan.