21 AUG, 2023
Sushim Mukul
The ninth edition of the FIFA Women's World Cup was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, comprising 32 teams (against 24 earlier) across 10 venues.
Photo: Emma__Adair on X
Photo: FIFAWWC
The 2023 Women's World Cup had a $110 million prize pool, $80 million more than before. FIFA also decided to award players and associations directly to combat issues of withheld payments.
Photo: FIFAWWC
The tournament had two opening ceremonies in Sydney and Auckland honouring indigenous music, dance and fireworks. The one in Auckland also held a moment of silence for the victims of a shooting a few hours prior.
Photo: FIFAWWC
Shockingly, four-time title holder USA was eliminated from the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup after a heartbreaking 5-4 loss on penalties to Sweden. The USA finished 9th.
Photo: FIFAWWC
American captain Megan Rapinoe came under scrutiny back home for reportedly encouraging her team to abstain from singing the national anthem during their matches.
Photo: FIFAWWC
Given Japan's initial unbeaten run with 3 wins in 3 games, scoring 11 goals and conceding none, made the fans wondering if the Project Blue Lock is real!
Photo: FIFAWWC
The Australian Female Socceroos made all the buzz as they made their way into the semis defeating Ireland, Denmark and Canada comprehensively. Unfortunately, they lost to England in the semis.
Photo: FIFAWWC
Spain beat Sweden 2-1 in the first semis, whereas, England followed Spain to beat co-hosts Australia 3-1 to reach the final where Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp, and Alessia Russo scored England's goals.
Photo: FIFAWWC
Spain clinched their maiden FIFA Women's World Cup title by defeating England 1-0 in a thrilling finale. Spanish left-back Olga Carmona's 29th-minute goal turned out to be the winner.
Photo: FIFAWWC
Hinata Miyazawa, the 23-year-old Japanese midfielder, clinched the Golden Boot award as the tournament's leading scorer with a tally of 5 goals in 5 games.
Photo: FIFAWWC
With the final win, Spain became the only team to have won the Under-17, Under-20 and seniors world titles. The win also marked Spanish women's first World Cup title.