Days out from the opening of the women's Football World Cup in New Zealand and Australia, Aotearoa is yet to comprehend the magnitude of the tournament, says Football Ferns goalkeeper Anna Leat.
On Thursday, the ninth edition of the women's World Cup begins, when the NZ women host European powers Norway at Auckland's Eden Park.
In terms of global attention, the tournament could be the biggest event hosted by New Zealand.
The previous edition of the women's event, hosted by France in 2019, drew more than 1.12 billion viewers across television and digital channels, according to FIFA's official figures.
With an explosion of growth in women's football over the past four-year cycle, German statistics firm Statista predicts that number could rise to two billion viewers for this year's event.
For reference, the men's 2019 Rugby World Cup that same year drew 851 million viewers.
In terms of an NZ-hosted event, the men's 2015 Cricket World Cup - also co-hosted with Australia - drew 1.5 billion viewers, with more than 600 million of those in India.
Goalkeeper Leat, who plays for English Women's Super League club Aston Villa, says the significance of what's to come hasn't dawned on Kiwis still to commit to supporting the tournament.
"I don't think anyone will, until the after-effects are really felt and experienced," Leat told Newshub. "Soaking it up is the plan.
"New Zealand is getting behind it, but it will only get bigger, as the tournament goes further."
The growth of the women's game more than supports Leat's argument. Last year, England was inundated with support for the women's European Championship that saw full stadiums, as the home side defeated Germany in the final.
An average of more than 18,000 fans attended each game of the Euros last year, with Leat hoping for similar scenes in New Zealand.
"The Euros just gone were a bit of a taster of what's to come," she added. "The momentum that's created over in England, this is like that, but for the world, and definitely for New Zealand and Australia.
"That's something that hopefully takes off on its own. It's cool, it's all happening.
"It's something that people have been trying to tap for a long time."
Naturally, the NZ women would be forgiven if nerves take over in the build-up to the opener.
A home World Cup in any sport is a once-in-a-lifetime event for players, with the Football Ferns and Australia's Matildas the lucky recipients this time around.
Leat is encouraging her teammates to relish the opportunity in front of them.
"You can try the avoidance route for so long, but at the end of the day, it's coming and there's no stopping it.
"It's just about embracing it. There's so much good stuff around it that you don't want to miss out on.
"The best way is to just jump in feet first."
The Football Ferns will also face the Philippines on July 25 and Switzerland on July 30 in the group stage, with the hope of advancing to the round of 16.
Join Newshub at 7pm Thursday for live updates of the NZ v Norway Women's Football World Cup opener
