The FIFA Women’s World Cup is one of the most exciting events in sport, and the highly anticipated 2023 tournament is just around the corner! Running from 20 July to 20 August 2023, the upcoming competition is set to be the biggest in history, with a record number of teams going for gold.
Australia and New Zealand are both hosting this year’s tournament. Not only is this the first time it’s being held in the Southern Hemisphere, but it’s the first time the competition has been hosted by two countries. How lucky are we?!
Whether you’re hoping to buy tickets to a game or watch from home, read on for everything you need to know about the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
History
The first FIFA Women’s World Cup was held in China in 1991. In the 32 years since, the competition has only grown, with over a million people attending the most recent Cup in 2019.
The 1999 final between the United States and China is one of the most-attended women’s sporting events in history, with over 90,000 people in attendance. The US won that final and the team has continued its success, winning the trophy four times so far.
The tournament is split into four sections: the group stage, Round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals. All teams play in the group stage, and only the top two teams in each group can move on to the next round. After that, it’s game on – if your team wins, they’re another step closer to the grand final!
Which countries are playing?
Host countries Australia and New Zealand automatically qualify for the competition, and there are 30 other countries fighting it out for the trophy. Eight teams are playing in their first World Cup this year, including Morocco, Haiti, Vietnam and the Republic of Ireland. The reigning US champs will be hoping to defend their title, while recent European Championship winners England are only getting better. Tokyo Olympic Gold medallists, Canada will almost certainly put up a fight for the title. Germany, Norway and Japan always put on a great show, and the Matildas (Australia’s national team) will be hoping to make it to the final.
For a full list of countries involved in the tournament and to check out the match schedule, click here.
The World Cup is a stage for the best players from around the globe, and the women of international soccer are ready to show off their skills. Marta from Brazil holds the record for the most goals ever scored at a World Cup, while Spain’s best player, Alexia Putellas, is hoping to make a big comeback after a knee injury. Make sure to keep an eye out for Aussie Sam Kerr’s iconic backflip goal celebration!
Where are the games taking place?
The matches will be spread across nine cities in Australia and New Zealand, giving thousands of fans the chance to see their favourite teams.
The opening ceremony and first match will be played at Eden Park in Auckland on 20 July 2023, and the grand final will be played in front of over eighty thousand fans on 20 August 2023 at Sydney’s Stadium Australia.
Throughout the month-long competition, games will also be held at venues like Hindmarsh Stadium (Adelaide), Brisbane Stadium, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium and Perth Rectangular Stadium. You can find the full list of host stadiums here.
How to watch the Women’s World Cup
Tickets for the Women’s World Cup are selling fast, so get in quick if you want to catch a game live! You can buy tickets from the FIFA Website.
If you can’t make it to a game, don’t worry. Here in Australia, a selection of matches will be shown on Channel 7 and its online streaming service, 7plus. You can also watch every game live or on-demand by subscribing to Optus Sport.
Missed out on tickets but still want that live game atmosphere? Check out Fanzo or Game On! to find a local sports bar, where you can watch a match with other fans.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup only comes around once every four years, so let’s make the most of it. It’s time to grab your friends and cheer your team on to victory!
