The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup was the first to feature 32 teams and the first held in the Southern Hemisphere, with Spain claiming their inaugural title.
Key Facts
- Edition
- 9th FIFA Women's World Cup
- Teams
- 32 (expanded from 24)
- Champion
- Spain (first title)
- Golden Boot
- Hinata Miyazawa (Japan) — 5 goals
- Golden Ball
- Aitana Bonmatí (Spain)
- Peak Australian TV viewership
- 11.15 million (Spain vs Australia semi-final)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
FIFA expanded the Women's World Cup to 32 teams for the first time, matching the men's format used from 1998 to 2022, and awarded joint hosting rights to Australia and New Zealand — marking the first multi-nation and multi-confederation Women's World Cup, as well as the first staged in the Southern Hemisphere.
Held from 20 July to 20 August 2023, the tournament saw Spain defeat England 1–0 in the final to claim their first Women's World Cup title. The United States, two-time defending champions, were eliminated in the round of 16 by Sweden. Host nation Australia reached the semi-finals for the first time, generating record television audiences domestically.
Spain became the second nation after Germany to hold both the men's and women's World Cup titles simultaneously, while also concurrently holding the FIFA women's U-17, U-20, and senior World Cups. The tournament became the most attended Women's World Cup in history, and Australia's run sparked unprecedented public engagement with women's football in the country.
Result
at Stadium Australia, Sydney, Australia