The Ultimate Guide to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

The imminent arrival of the eagerly anticipated ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup is generating excitement and anticipation worldwide. Here is everything you need to know.

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When does it start?

Commencing on July 20th, the tournament will introduce a new 32-team format, providing an entire month of international soccer. Since its inception as a 12-team competition in 1991, the Women’s World Cup has undergone significant expansion, starting with just 16 teams at the USA 1999 tournament and 24 teams at Canada 2015.

Who are the hosts?

Australia and New Zealand have been chosen to host this remarkable event, with matches scheduled to be held across ten stadiums in nine cities spanning both nations. Sydney, the only city to offer two venues, will showcase the Sydney Football Stadium and Stadium Australia, which will also host the final game.

The remaining fixtures in Australia will take place in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. Meanwhile, New Zealand will proudly present matches in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, and Hamilton. The collaborative effort between these two nations sets the stage for a spectacular tournament that will undoubtedly captivate audiences worldwide.

Which countries are competing?

A diverse range of countries from different continents have qualified for the Women’s World Cup 2023, showcasing the global nature and appeal of the sport.

• The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will be represented by Australia, China, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam.
• From the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia have secured their spots.
• Canada, Costa Rica, Haiti, Jamaica, Panama, and the United States of America have emerged triumphant from the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).
• Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia have successfully qualified for the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL).
• New Zealand represents the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC).
• Finally, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland will proudly compete on behalf of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

How is the fixture made?

The tournament’s opening fixtures are set to ignite the competition and fuel the passion of fans across the world. On July 20th, the tournament’s opening day, New Zealand will face Norway at Eden Park in Auckland, while Australia will go head-to-head with the Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia in Sydney. These matches mark the beginning of an exciting journey that will culminate two weeks later, on August 3rd, with the conclusion of the group stage.

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The top two teams of each group will move on to the round of 16, with the top team of each group playing a second-placed team of another. The bottom two teams in each group will be eliminated from the tournament. There will be a single rest day on August 4th before the last-16 fixtures commence, ending on August 20th, and so on.

Which team is the one to watch?

Reflecting on the history of the Women’s World Cup, the United States stands as the most successful team, having triumphed four times, including their victory in 2019. The USA are clear favorites and are currently ranked first in the world. Germany follows with two titles in 2007 and 2011, while Norway and Japan have each secured one championship. The UK, the current European champions, arrives in this year’s event as a strong competition.

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Which is the prize money?

While the Women’s World Cup continues to gain prominence and captivate audiences worldwide, it is disheartening to note the significant disparity in prize money compared to the men’s tournament. FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that the prize money pool for the 2023 Women’s World Cup will amount to $110 million, a substantial increase from the $30 million awarded in the previous edition. However, it remains considerably lower than the staggering $440 million prize pool awarded at the men’s 2022 World Cup. This stark contrast underscores the urgent need for further progress and equal recognition for women’s soccer.

Which are the social causes highlighted?

Under the global campaign, Football Unites the World, eight specific messages will be sent during the final tournament:

• Unite for Inclusion – in partnership with UN Human Rights 
• Unite for Indigenous Peoples – in partnership with UN Human Rights
• Unite for Gender Equality – in partnership with UN Women 
• Unite for Peace – in partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
• Unite for Education for All – in partnership with the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 
• Unite for Zero Hunger – in partnership with the UN World Food Programme 
• Unite for Ending Violence Against Women – in partnership with UN Women 
• Football is Joy, Peace, Love, Hope & Passion – in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO)

Supporting the Women’s World Cup 2023 is not only an opportunity to celebrate the exceptional talent and dedication of female athletes but also a chance to promote gender equality and inclusivity in the sporting world. By rallying behind this tournament and advocating for equal recognition and resources, we can foster a future where women’s soccer receives the respect and investment it deserves.