by Sarah Halfpenny
Get ready Australia! The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is just around the corner, and soccer fans around the globe are gearing up for an exhilarating tournament filled with top-notch athleticism and fierce competition. Let’s slide tackle into five fun facts about this highly anticipated event that’s right here on our shores, with games being played in Australia and New Zealand.
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It’s bigger than ever!
The 2023 edition of the Women’s World Cup will be the first to feature an expanded lineup of 32 teams, up from the previous 24. This change aims to promote inclusivity and provide more opportunities for countries like Ireland, the Philippines and Zambia to make their debut on the world stage.
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Dual hosts
Unlike previous tournaments held in a single country, this time around it will be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand. This groundbreaking collaboration emphasises the spirit of unity and celebrates the emerging soccer cultures of both nations.
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Record-breaking attendance
The FIFA Women’s World Cup continues to attract a growing fan base, and in 2023 it’s set to make history. Organisers have set a goal of breaking the attendance record set during the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada, which drew a staggering 1.3 million spectators. Can we do it?
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Interesting odds
There have been eight Women’s World Cups held and each time there has been a different runner-up! Previous runners-up are Norway, Germany, China, Sweden, Brazil, USA, Japan and Netherlands. In terms of winners, only two teams in history have successfully defended their Women’s World Cup title – Germany in 2003 and 2007, and the USA in 2015 and 2019. This year could see history being made if the USA wins and becomes the first team to three-peat.
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An empowering legacy
Organisers are committed to promoting gender equality, empowering women and girls through soccer, and fostering sustainable development in the host countries. This event will serve as a catalyst for positive change and inspire future generations of female athletes.
