The Women’s World Cup will go ahead as planned, with all teams and officials safe following a shooting in Auckland which left two people dead just hours before the tournament kicks off.
Six other people, including police, were injured and the gunman has also been confirmed dead.
Fifa sent its “deepest condolences” to those affected. A minute’s silence will be held ahead of the games between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park in Auckland and co-hosts Australia against the Republic of Ireland at Sydney’s Stadium Australia.
New Zealand will ramp up security for their opening match to reassure the public, though the country’s police force said this was for reassurance and stressed the shooting was “an isolated incident” and “not a national security risk”.
“We are reassuring the public that this incident has been contained,” a statement added.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins, said: “Clearly with the Fifa World Cup kicking off this evening, there are a lot of eyes on Auckland. The government has spoken to Fifa organisers this morning, and the tournament will proceed as planned.
“Aucklanders and those watching around the world can be assured that the police have neutralised the threat and they are not seeking anybody else in relation to the incident. New Zealanders’ safety and the safety of our visitors is our first priority.
“There will be an increased police presence obviously around Auckland to provide public reassurance, but the police have indicated that they don’t think there is an ongoing security or safety risk.”
Norway’s captain, Maren Mjelde, said she and her team-mates woke up in the early hours of the morning when they heard helicopter and emergency vehicles outside.
“At first we didn’t know what was going on, but eventually there were updates on TV and the local media,” she said.
“We felt safe the whole time. Fifa has a good security system at the hotel, and we have our own security officer in the squad. Everyone seems calm and we are preparing as normal for the game tonight. Then we may have to adapt if there are any instructions from the authorities.”
The USA women’s national team, who play their opening game on Saturday against Vietnam, were staying close to the shooting. They released a statement confirming they will be “proceeding with our daily schedule” as planned, saying they were “deeply saddened by the inexcusable loss of life to gun violence”.
“Regarding the incident in downtown Auckland, all of our USWNT players and staff are accounted for and safe.”
Italy are among the teams staying in Auckland, before their match against Argentina on Monday, and the team delayed its training session while the situation was ongoing.
Auckland’s Mayor, Wayne Brown, said: “I can’t remember anything like this ever happening in our beautiful city. This morning’s events have been tragic and distressing for all Aucklanders, as this is not something that we are used to.”
