The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is the biggest event in women’s soccer, and it’s happening right now in Australia and New Zealand. If you’re a fan of the beautiful game, you don’t want to miss this historic tournament that features 32 teams from six continents competing for the ultimate glory.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Women’s World Cup, including how to watch it, who’s playing, what the schedule is, and what to expect from the matches.
How to Watch the 2023 Women’s World Cup
The 2023 Women’s World Cup is being broadcasted by various networks around the world, depending on your location. Here are some of the main options for different regions:
- United States: Fox Sports and Telemundo have the exclusive rights to air all 64 matches live in English and Spanish respectively. You can also stream the games online via Fox Sports app or website, or Telemundo Deportes app or website.
- United Kingdom: BBC has the exclusive rights to air all 64 matches live on TV, radio, and online. You can watch the games on BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four, or BBC Red Button. You can also stream the games online via BBC iPlayer or the BBC Sport website.
- Australia: SBS and Optus Sport have the exclusive rights to air all 64 matches live on TV and online. You can watch the games on SBS TV, SBS Viceland, or SBS On Demand. You can also stream the games online via Optus Sport app or website.
- New Zealand: Sky Sport has the exclusive rights to air all 64 matches live on TV and online. You can watch the games on Sky Sport channels or Sky Go app. You can also stream the games online via Sky Sport Now app or website.
If you’re in a different region, you can check out this list of official broadcasters for the 2023 Women’s World Cup to find out where to watch the games in your country.
Who’s Playing in the 2023 Women’s World Cup
The 2023 Women’s World Cup features 32 teams from six confederations: Africa (CAF), Asia (AFC), Europe (UEFA), North and Central America (CONCACAF), Oceania (OFC), and South America (CONMEBOL). This is the first time that the tournament has expanded from 24 to 32 teams, giving more opportunities for smaller nations to participate.
The teams are divided into eight groups of four, with each team playing three matches against their group opponents. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage, where they play single-elimination matches until the final.
Here are the groups for the 2023 Women’s World Cup:
- Group A: New Zealand (hosts), Norway, Thailand, Cameroon
- Group B: Australia (hosts), Republic of Ireland, Nigeria, China PR
- Group C: Netherlands (defending champions), Brazil, Canada, Zambia
- Group D: England, Japan, Chile, Costa Rica
- Group E: Germany, Sweden, South Africa, Korea DPR
- Group F: France, United States (current world number one), Colombia, New Zealand
- Group G: Spain, Italy, Mexico, Vietnam
- Group H: Argentina, Korea Republic, Scotland, Ghana
What’s the Schedule for the 2023 Women’s World Cup
The 2023 Women’s World Cup kicked off on July 20 with the opening match between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park in Auckland. The group stage will last until August 1, with four matches being played every day at different venues across Australia and New Zealand.
The knockout stage will begin on August 5 with the round of 16 matches and end on August 20 with the final at Stadium Australia in Sydney. The third-place match will be played on August 19 at Brisbane Stadium.
Here are some of the key dates and matches for the 2023 Women’s World Cup:
- July 20: Opening match – New Zealand vs Norway
- July 21: Australia vs Republic of Ireland
- July 23: Netherlands vs Brazil
- July 24: England vs Japan
- July 25: France vs United States
- July 28: Final group stage matches
- August 5-8: Round of 16 matches
- August 12-13: Quarter-final matches
- August 16-17: Semi-final matches
- August 19: Third-place match
- August 20: Final match
You can check out the full schedule and results for the 2023 Women’s World Cup on the official website.
What to Expect from the 2023 Women’s World Cup
The 2023 Women’s World Cup is expected to be the most exciting and competitive edition of the tournament ever, with many teams having a realistic chance of lifting the trophy. The level of women’s soccer has improved significantly in recent years, with more investment, exposure, and development across the world.
Some of the favorites to win the 2023 Women’s World Cup include:
- United States: The four-time and reigning world champions are always a force to be reckoned with, boasting a squad full of talent, experience, and determination. Led by stars like Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Carli Lloyd, the USWNT will be aiming to make history by winning three consecutive titles.
- Netherlands: The defending European champions and runners-up in the 2019 Women’s World Cup are one of the most entertaining and attacking teams in the world, featuring players like Vivianne Miedema, Lieke Martens, and Shanice van de Sanden. The Oranje Leeuwinnen will be hoping to go one step further and claim their first global title.
- France: The hosts of the 2019 Women’s World Cup and one of the best teams in Europe, France have a balanced and talented squad that can challenge any opponent. With players like Wendie Renard, Amandine Henry, and Eugenie Le Sommer, Les Bleues will be eager to end their trophy drought and win their first major title.
- Germany: The two-time world champions and eight-time European champions are always a threat in any tournament, with a solid and disciplined team that can grind out results. Led by players like Dzsenifer Marozsan, Alexandra Popp, and Sara Dabritz, Die Nationalelf will be looking to reclaim their status as one of the top teams in the world.
Other teams that could cause some surprises or upsets include:
- Australia: The co-hosts and one of the rising powers in women’s soccer, Australia have a dynamic and exciting team that can score goals for fun. With players like Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, and Ellie Carpenter, the Matildas will be hoping to use their home advantage and make a deep run in the tournament.
- England: The third-place finishers in the 2015 Women’s World Cup and semi-finalists in the 2019 Women’s World Cup, England have a strong and experienced team that can compete with anyone. With players like Lucy Bronze, Ellen White, and Fran Kirby, the Lionesses will be aiming to reach their first final and win their first title.
- Brazil: The perennial contenders in women’s soccer, Brazil have a legendary team that features some of the best players of all time. With players like Marta, Formiga, and Debinha, A Seleção Feminina will be hoping to finally win their first World Cup after finishing second in 2007 and third in 1999.
- Japan: The winners of the 2011 Women’s World Cup and runners-up in 2015, Japan have a young and talented team that plays with flair and finesse. With players like Mana Iwabuchi, Saki Kumagai, and Yui Hasegawa, Nadeshiko Japan will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing exit in the round of 16 in 2019.
The 2023 Women’s World Cup is set to be a thrilling spectacle of women’s soccer that you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard supporter, you’ll find plenty of action, drama, and emotion in this tournament. So get ready to cheer on your favorite team or discover new ones as you watch the best female players in the world battle it out for glory.