FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Everything you need to know
This year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup is the first time the global women’s tournament will have two host nations, with co-hosts Australia and New Zealand!
With 32 teams (and some of the biggest women’s athletes from around the world), it’s a spectacle not to be missed! This guide will provide all the info you need. You can check out the full schedule to see which team will play per group and the host stadiums. Find out which teams are the favourites, the players to watch and where you can catch all the games.
When does the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Kick-off?
The FIFA Women’s World Cup begins on 20 July in Auckland. This is the ninth edition of the tournament, hotly contested by women’s national teams from around the world. It’s also the first time we’ll see an expanded format of 32 teams, which is the same number of teams as the men’s World Cup.
The opening match will be held at Eden Park, New Zealand. The game will feature the women’s New Zealand team (the Football Ferns) versus Norway. Kick-off is scheduled for 5 pm local time.
After the group stage, teams will compete in a Round of 16 before progressing to the quarter-finals and semi-finals. The final will be played on 20 August and will be held at Stadium Australia in Sydney. All up, 64 games will be played over the 32 days of the tournament.
Competing Teams
Here are all the teams lining up to compete for the title at this year’s event in the group stage:
| Argentina | Australia | Brazil | Canada |
| China | Colombia | Costa Rica | Denmark |
| England | France | Germany | Haiti |
| Italy | Jamaica | Japan | Morocco |
| Netherlands | New Zealand | Nigeria | Norway |
| Panama | Philippines | Portugal | Republic of Ireland |
| South Africa | South Korea | Spain | Sweden |
| Switzerland | United States | Vietnam | Zambia |
Tournament Fixture Schedule
The Women’s World Cup 2023 will feature a round-robin knockout stage in the group stage. The final group stage match will be played on 3 August. Out of the eight groups, only the best teams will make it through to the Final 16 and progress to the finals.
All the below kick off times are local but are subject to change. Hosts New Zealand (Football Ferns) will play the first game of the competition, and no doubt will be aiming for a win!
Group stage FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Group A:
20 July (7 pm): New Zealand v Norway, Eden Park
21 July (5 pm): Philippines v Switzerland, Dunedin Stadium
25 July. (5.30 pm): New Zealand v Philippines, Wellington Regional Stadium
25 July (8 pm): Switzerland v Norway, Waikato Stadium
30 July (7 pm): Norway v Philippines, Eden Park
30 July (7 pm): Switzerland v New Zealand, Dunedin Stadium
Group B:
20 July (8 pm): Australia v Republic of Ireland, Stadium Australia
21 July (12.30 pm): Nigeria v Canada, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
26 July (8 pm): Canada v Republic of Ireland, Perth Rectangular Stadium
27 July (8 pm): Australia v Nigeria, Brisbane Stadium
31 July (8 pm): Canada v Australia, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
31 July (8 pm): Republic of Ireland v Nigeria, Brisbane Stadium
Group C:
21 July (7.30 pm): Spain v Costa Rica, Wellington Regional Stadium
22 July (7 pm): Zambia v Japan, Waikato Stadium
26 July (5 pm): Japan v Costa Rica, Dunedin Stadium
26 July (7.30 pm): Spain v Zambia, Eden Park
31 July (7 pm): Japan v Spain, Wellington Regional Stadium
31 July (7 pm): Costa Rica v Zambia, Waikato Stadium
Group D:
22 July (7.30 pm): England v Haiti, Brisbane Stadium
22 July (8 pm): Denmark v China PR, Perth Rectangular Stadium
28 July (6.30 pm): England v Denmark, Sydney Football Stadium
28 July (8.30 pm): China PR v Haiti, Hindmarsh Stadium
1 August (7 pm): Haiti v Denmark, Perth Rectangular Stadium
1 August (8.30 pm): China PR v England, Hindmarsh Stadium
Group E:
22 July (1 pm) – USA v Vietnam, Eden Park
23 July (7.30 pm): Netherlands v Portugal, Dunedin Stadium
27 July (1 pm): USA v Netherlands, Wellington Regional Stadium
27 July (7.30 pm): Portugal v Vietnam, Waikato Stadium
1 August (7 pm): Portugal v USA, Eden Park
1 August (7 pm): Vietnam v Netherlands, Dunedin Stadium
Group F:
23 July (8 pm): France v Jamaica, Sydney Football Stadium
24 July (8.30 pm): Brazil v Panama, Hindmarsh Stadium
29 July (8 pm): France v Brazil, Brisbane Stadium
29 July (8.30 pm): Panama v Jamaica, Perth Rectangular Stadium
2 August (8 pm): Panama v France, Sydney Football Stadium
2 August (8 pm): Jamaica v Brazil, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
Group G:
23 July (5 pm): Sweden v South Africa, Wellington Regional Stadium
24 July (6 pm): Italy v Argentina, Eden Park
28 July (12 pm): Argentina v South Africa, Dunedin Stadium
29 July (7.30 pm): Sweden v Italy, Wellington Regional Stadium
2 August (7 pm): South Africa v Italy, Wellington Regional Stadium
2 August (7 pm): Argentina v Sweden, Waikato Stadium
Group H:
24 July (6.30 pm): Germany v Morocco, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
25 July (12 pm): Colombia v Korea Republic, Sydney Football Stadium
30 July (2 pm): Korea Republic v Morocco, Hindmarsh Stadium
30 July (7.30 pm): Germany v Colombia, Sydney Football Stadium
3 August (8 pm): South Korea v Germany, Brisbane Stadium
3 August (6 pm): Morocco v Colombia, Perth Rectangular Stadium
Round of 16
5 August
5 pm: 1st Group A v 2nd Group C, Eden Park
8 pm: 1st Group C v 2nd Group A, Wellington Regional Stadium
6 August
12 pm: 1st Group E v 2nd Group G, Sydney Football Stadium
7 pm: 1st Group G v 2nd Group E, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
7 August
8.30 pm: 1st Group B winner v 2nd Group D, Stadium Australia
5.30 pm: 1st Group D v 2nd Group B, Brisbane Stadium
8 August
8.30 pm: 1st Group F v 2nd Group H, Hindmarsh Stadium
6 pm: 1st Group H v 2nd Group F, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
Quarter-Finals: 11 and 12 August
Game A (1 pm): Winner of Game 1 v Winner of Game 3, Wellington Regional Stadium
Game B (7.30 pm): Winner of Game 2 v Winner of Game 4, Eden Park
Game C (5 pm): Winner of Game 5 v Winner of Game 7, Brisbane Stadium
Game D (8.30 pm): Winner of Game 6 v Winner of Game 8, Stadium Australia
Semi-Finals: 15 and 16 August (8 pm)
Game 1: Winner of Game A v Winner of Game B, Eden Park
Game 2: Winner of Game C v Winner of Game D, Stadium Australia
Third-place match: 19 August (6 pm)
Runner-up of Game 1 v Runner-up of Game 2, Brisbane Stadium
Final tournament match: 20 August (8 pm)
Winner of Game 1 vs Winner of Game 2, Stadium Australia
Host Cities & Stadiums
The Women’s World Cup 2023 will be held at 10 different stadiums, with co-hosts sharing matches in the group stage and up until the semi-finals. There are six stadiums in the host nation of Australia and four venues in New Zealand. Stadium Australia, located in Sydney, is the biggest stadium and will host the final.
Australia
- Lang Park, Brisbane
- Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
- Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne
- Perth Oval, Perth
- Stadium Australia, Sydney
- Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
New Zealand
- Dunedin Stadium, Dunedin
- Eden Park, Auckland
- Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
- Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
What are the Groups?
For the first time in the women’s competition, there are 32 teams split into 8 groups. Here are the following groups:
Who are the Favourites?
There are several country favourites to win this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup. The current outright betting odds for the tournament (according to TAB NZ) are:
USA: 3.50
England: 5.00
Spain: 6.00
Germany: 7.50
Australia: 9.50
Check out our recommendations for some of the best sports betting sites in NZ to place your bets.
Players to Watch
Here are the players to watch out for from the world’s top 10 ranked competing nations:
USA
Julie Ertz: Ertz plays in the central midfield. She’s twice earned herself the title of US Soccer Player of the Year.
Lindsey Horan: Horan is an attacking midfielder with lots of experience. She’s a former striker, so she has plenty to offer the USA team.
Trinity Rodman: Rodman, the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman, is an attacking player and a tremendous finisher to watch out for at this year’s Cup.
Sophia Smith: Smith is the reigning US Soccer Player of the Year and the NWSL Most Valued Player. It’s her first big tournament with the senior USA team.
Alex Morgan: This will be Morgan’s 14th year representing her nation. Last year she won the NWSL Golden Boot and finished runner-up for The Best FIFA Women’s Player.
Germany
Merle Frohms: Frohms is Germany’s goalkeeper. She has a reputation for excellent technical skills and ball confidence.
Kathrin Hendrich: Hendrich plays in defence and is known for her decent pace, tackling ability and excellent positional play.
Lena Oberdorf: Oberdorf is a rising midfielder star in Germany. In March, she was named in the FIFPRO Women’s World11 at The Best FIFA Football Awards.
Svenja Huth: Another midfielder, Huth offers plenty of experience for the German team. She’s already played in several big tournaments and is known for taking younger players under her wing.
Alexandra Popp: Popp captains the German side and is the team’s spokesperson. She leads on and off the pitch and throws herself into every tackle.
Sweden
Filippa Angeldahl: Angeldahl is a key central midfielder for the Sweden team. She’s just had her Manchester City contract extended and can dictate play from a deep position.
Stina Blackstenius: Blackstenius is an Arsenal striker, known for her willingness to press hard. She’s a focal point in Sweden’s attacking system.
Magdalena Eriksson: Eriksson is a defender who was central to the Swedish sides that won Olympic silver in Rio and Tokyo.
Sofia Jakobsson: Jakobsson proved herself the best player in the Swedish side in the last World Cup. She’s not phased by big occasions and is lining up for her fourth World Cup.
Fridolina Rolfo: Rolfo is tipped to be the player to watch for Sweden in this year’s World Cup. She’s playing the best football of her career.
England
Lucy Bronze: Bronze has a reputation as one of the best full-backs worldwide. She underwent knee surgery in April. But her return to fitness in time for the World Cup will definitely help England’s chances.
Mary Earps: Earps is England’s goalkeeper. She was awarded The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper award in 2022.
Lauren James: James brings speed to the England side. As a previous 200-metre sprinter, she also has excellent balance.
Chloe Kelly: Kelly became a national hero for the English team last year. She came off the bench to score the winning goal in the EURA Women’s Euro final victory over Germany.
Georgia Stanway: Stanway is an influential midfielder with an intense work ethic. She sets the tone for the England team, assisting her teammates with ease.
France
Pauline Peyraud-Magnin: As a goalkeeper, Peyraud-Magnin is cool under pressure. This is her second World Cup appearance after an exceptional season with Juventus.
Wendie Renard: Renward is the national captain for France and a true icon of French football. She’s a natural leader and an excellent defender. Calm and diligent, she’s also an imposing 187 cm tall.
Grace Geyoro: Geyoro is the first player to score a half-hat trick in a UEFA Women’s Euro match. She’s an eye-catching player to look out for at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Kenza Dali: As an experienced midfielder, Dali will play a central role in France’s midfield leadership at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup. With 55 caps for France, she brings real experience to the national team.
Eugenie Le Sommer: Le Sommer is not only France’s all-time leading scorer, but she’s also a proficient passer. She is a highly creative player that can attack and drop back to the midfield to dictate play.
Spain
Alexia Putellas: Putellas boasts the national team record of 100 caps. She’s a skilful playmaker with an unnerving ability to impact matches. Starting as a winger, she’s now a versatile midfielder.
Jenni Hermoso: Hermoso is the second-most capped player for Spain. She’s also the all-time scorer, boasting an impressive 48 goals scored. This is her third FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Irene Paredes: This will be Paredes’ third world cup. She’s an adaptable centre-back that’s strong in the air. She’s also highly proficient with her feet, with strong passing abilities.
Salma Paralluelo: Paralluelo plays for Barcelona. She rose to fame at the 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, playing a key role for Spain.
Aitana Bonmati: Regarded as one of the best midfielders in the women’s game, she’s versatile and skilful. She’s a tireless player with outstanding technique and ball control.
Canada
Jessie Fleming: Fleming is an exciting midfielder with excellent technical skills. At only 25 years, she’s already capped 100 games for Canada.
Kadeisha Buchanan: Buchanan is a brilliant reader of the game. Though a recent injury will see the team doing all they can to ensure she’s ready for this year’s FIFA World Cup.
Ashley Lawrence : Also in her prime, Lawrence has over 100 caps to her name for Canada. She’s a versatile player that’s comfortable on the wing, in the midfield or in the back.
Julia Grosso: Grosso is a household name in Canada, scoring the winning penalty at Tokyo 2020 for the gold medal. She’s been recently named Serie A midfielder of the season.
Christine Sinclair: As captain, Sinclair, is looking to make history as the first player to score at six World Cups. She boasts 323 international caps and is the all-time leading goal scorer for her national team.
Brazil
Marta: Marta is the biggest Brazilian name in women’s football. She’s a bonafide star who is looking to recapture her best form on the global stage.
Rafaelle: If Marta fails to make the starting team, Rafaelle will captain Brazil’s team. Currently playing at Arsenal, she’s a commanding player on the pitch.
Debinha: No other Brazilian player has scored as many goals under the current manager than Debinha. She will no doubt make a big impact on the Brazilian team in this year’s tournament.
Kerolin: Kerolin is a huge talent. She plays as an attacking midfielder and has a big presence on the pitch that will help Brazil succeed.
Tamires: Tamires is the captain of Brazil’s Corinthian team. She loves to play forward, creating chances where she can in true Brazilian style.
Netherlands
Jill Roord: Roord has 86 international caps and 21 goals for her national team. Although she’s only 26, she’s one of the team’s most experienced players, playing an open and direct game.
Esmee Brugts: Known as one of the most promising stars in European football, she played a major role in the team qualification. Her versatility as a forward and full-back means she’s a dangerous player for the Dutch team.
Lieke Martens: An exciting attacking player, this will be Martens third Women’s World Cup. She was named Player of the Tournament at the EUFA Women’s EURO in 2017.
Daphne van Domselaar: The Dutch goalkeeper is 176 cm tall and was one of the best goalkeepers at the Women’s EURO. She’s a safe pair of hands for her team.
Sherida Spitse: Spitse is the Netherlands’ most-capped player ever. She’s played 215 teams for her national side and is a leader on the pitch.
Australia
Ellie Carpenter: After making her pro debut at only 15, she’s played in Australia, the USA and France.
Steph Catley: Catley is Australia’s vice-captain and offers a lot of versatility for the Aussie team that may help them progress out of the group stage.
Hayley Raso: Raso has averaged a goal every other game for the Aussie team since the beginning of 2022. After not starting at the Canada World Cup in 2015 and only being a bit-part player in France, she’s now making an impression.
Caitlin Foord: An attacking midfielder, winger or forward player, Foord is heading into her fourth World Cup. She played an instrument role in Australia winning the Cup of Nations.
Sam Kerr: Kerr is undoubtedly carrying the hopes of Australia into the tournament. She’s earned a reputation as one of the great players in football history and is Australia’s captain.
Previous FIFA Women’s World Cup Winners
In the event’s history, only four national teams have ever emerged as champions:
- Germany – (2003, 2007)
- Japan – (2011)
- Norway – (1995)
- USA – (1991, 1999, 2015, 2019)
The US team are the most recent winner, beating the Netherlands in France. They also won against Japan in 2015. If they win this year, they’ll be looking at three consecutive titles. Hosts New Zealand and Australia haven’t won a cup – yet!
How to watch the Tournament in NZ
If you want to watch any of the group stage matches or the finals at the Women’s World Cup, Sky Sports is the official broadcaster. All of the tournament’s 64 matches will be shown live and on-demand via Sky Sports. Matches will also be available to stream on Sky Sports, so you won’t have to miss a single match.
There will also be some limited matches available on free to air tv. A total of 26 selected matches will be shown live on TVNZ (Television New Zealand), which broadcasts throughout NZ and parts of the Pacific region.
Summary – FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Whether you’re supporting New Zealand or ready to cheer on the other teams, there’s no doubt the women athletes gearing up for this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup are ready to create something magical. There’s bound to be plenty of action and entertainment throughout knockout rounds and into the finals, across the six stadiums in Australia and four venues in New Zealand. With the draw confirmed, it’s time to study the schedule, place your bets and settle in to cheer on your favourites to help them make it through the knockout rounds of the group stage.
References:
Sky Sports. “FIFA Women’s World Cup”, https://www.sky.co.nz/discover/sky-sport/football/fifa
FIFA. “Women’s Ranking”, https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/women?dateId=ranking_20230609
BBC. “Women’s World Cup 2023: Who are the players to watch out for this summer?”, https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66154253
FIFA. “Everything you need to know about the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023”, https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-about-the-fifa-womens-world-cup-2023
Lincoln is an expert in sports betting. With his skill and passion for trying our new brands in the iGaming industry, he frequently reviews sports betting sites and writes news about sports betting. Being a former sports trader, there’s not much he doesn’t know when it comes to sports betting.
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