After a long wait, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will kick off on Thursday as the biggest edition yet. For the first time, 32 teams including European winner England and World Cup newcomer Ireland will compete.
Co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, this is the inaugural Women’s World Cup with two host nations. On opening day, New Zealand faces Norway in Auckland, followed by Australia against Ireland in Sydney.
Defending champion United States is also participating among the expanded field. This record 9th Women’s World Cup is set to be a landmark event for women’s football worldwide.
Tragically, the Auckland shooting on Thursday morning dampened the celebratory opening of the Women’s World Cup. The incident left 3 dead, including the gunman, and 6 injured.
Fans preparing to attend fan parks near the attack expressed shock and grief. However, FIFA affirmed the tournament will continue as planned.
Organizers hope over 100,000 fans will still attend the two opening matches across Auckland and Sydney. With over 1.3 million tickets already sold for the 64 total matches, this is on pace to become the most-watched Women’s World Cup ever.
Organizers estimate a record 2 billion viewers may tune in, doubling the 2019 Women’s World Cup audience.
“The future is women,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino, thanking fans for supporting what’s set to be the biggest Women’s World Cup yet.
Aside from Ireland, 7 other teams are making their World Cup debuts, including Vietnam, Zambia, Haiti, Morocco, Panama, the Philippines, and Portugal.
The top-ranked United States squad seeks a 5th title, while the lowest-ranked team Zambia sits at 77th globally.
The final will occur on August 20th in Sydney, capping off what organizers hope will be the most watched and impactful Women’s World Cup to date.
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