Running until 3 December, the Cup was going to be hosted at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby, last used to host the soccer finals for the Pacific Games in 2015. However, it remains unfinished, and organisers admit it is not likely to be completed in time for the FIFA juggernaut to roll into town when the Cup kicks off on 13 November.

All is not lost for the tournament however, which had its official emblem and slogan launched - fittingly - on International Women's Day in Port Moresby. As organisers said, it was a perfect fit for a sport and an occasion which are all about empowering, inspiring and encouraging girls and women.

FIFA's Director of Marketing, Thierry Weil, said the emblem, which incorporates the ‘FIFA twist' well-known to World Cup fans, blended with Melanesian imagery, "reflects the unique beauty and the spirit of hospitality of Papua New Guinea, which are essential to the success of the event."

The slogan is reflective of the need for investing girls and young women with a greater sense of self across the whole of PNG. President of the PNG Football Association, David Chung, said the World Cup aims to use the game as a platform for gender equality in what is clearly still a highly traditional, male-dominated culture. He commented at the launch:

"Gender equality remains a significant social challenge in Papua New Guinea, but we hope that through this tournament, we will create further awareness and promote change towards a more egalitarian society."

As for the loss of the Stadium, PNG's Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko says that there is a firm ‘Plan B' in place, to ensure the Cup goes ahead as planned.