Women’s Football World Cup 2023 – Preview
Written by; Tao MacLeod
The first official FIFA World Cup was hosted in 1991, although different incarnations have dated back to the 1970’s. The original ‘unofficial’ world champion was Denmark, who beat Italy in the final, with Mexico getting ahead of England to third place. The Chinese hosted the first ‘official’ tournament in 1991, which was won by the United States, who would go onto dominate over the preceding years, taking four titles between then and now. Other champions have included Germany (twice), Norway and Japan, who have both it once.
The latest edition of the women’s World Cup is just around the corner. This year it feels like the tournament is entering the mainstream, in terms of the public consciousness. Media coverage is improving and this tournament will host 36 teams for the first time, making it the biggest ever iteration. A few years ago women’s football was broadly scoffed at, but these days people consider this category of the game to be of a good standard. There are still dinosaurs and misogynists out there with outdated perceptions, but it would seem that they are now becoming a part of the minority. In this article, we take a look at some of the runners and riders.
Hosts
Playing in front of a home crowd can help a side to raise their game, or put on additional pressures out with what the players are normally used to. Additionally, hosting a major international tournament can bring economic and infrastructural benefits, as tourists come to the country to support their respective sides and investment is made in to stadiums and transport facilities. Sports fans and youngsters can also be inspired to join a local club, thus improving the grassroots level of football. This year will be the first time that the Women’s World Cup will be co-hosted. It is also the first time that such a tournament will be held on the Oceanic continent. Let’s look at the two national teams and what their chances might be…
Australia
Nicknamed the Matildas, they have had some footballing success over the years, being Oceanian Cup champions three times and Asian Cup winners in 2010. The Aussies have been coached by Swede Tony Gustavsson since 2020. In terms of players their most capped player of all time is defender Clare Polkinghorne, who’s made 154 appearances for her national team. However, the star player is captain and forward Sam Kerr. She is the Australian’s top goalscorer, with 63 goals. Fans of the Women’s Super League (WSL), in England, will know her as the striker banging in the goals for Chelsea this year, on the way to their fourth league title in a row. Ranked 10th in the FIFA World Rankings, they are one of the dark horses of the tournament.
New Zealand
The Football Ferns come into this tournament in 26th place in the world, meaning that they will struggle to compete with the more established sides out there, but could make a difference along the way. Coached by former Czech defender Jitka Klimková, their captain is Ali Riley. English born Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Ria Percival is the most capped Kiwi player of all time and will be using her experience to help her side this summer.
World Champions
United States of America (USA)
The Americans are the most decorated national team in women’s football. They have won the World Cup a record four times, most recently in 2019. They were runners-up in 2011 and came third a further three times, meaning that they have medaled at this tournament at every single iteration since it’s FIFA inauguration. Additionally, they have won six Olympic football medals (a more prestigious event than the male equivalent), including a gold in 2012, a silver in 2000 and a bronze more recently at Tokyo 2020/1. The number one ranked team and tournament favourites are co-captained by midfielder Lindsey Horan and forward Alex Morgan. Fans of the English WSL might remember Rose Lavelle, after she spent two seasons with Manchester City. Iconic footballer Megan Rapinoe has already stated that this will be her last international tournament.
European Champions
England
The Lionesses have been knocking on the door of international glory for several years now, having come fourth at the World Cup in 2019, third in 2015 and European runners-up twice in 1984 and 2009. The development of the WSL and its movement towards a fully professional first division has helped to improve the standard of the national team, as well as the depth of the talent pool. It was Dutch Head Coach Sarina Wiegman, who replaced Phil Neville in 2021, that helped the English to finally broke through that glass ceiling, winning the UEFA European Women’s Championships in 2022. Unfortunately, since then, captain Leah Williamson has sustained a long term injury, with Chelsea’s Millie Bright getting the armband for this tournament. Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps will be expected to remain as the number one, with right back Lucy Bronze generally considered to be one of the best defenders in the world. Midfielder Keira Walsh is playing her club football, with Bronze, at Barcelona, while Georgia Stanway has recently made the move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. Placed fourth in the FIFA rankings, the English will fancy their chances this time around.
Asian Champions
China
The Steel Roses have won their continental championships a record nine times, more than any other Asian side. However, they have struggled to transfer this dominance to the global stage, having been World Cup runners-up in 1999, as well as coming second in the Olympic Games in 1996. They will be vying with their rivals Japan (who have won the World Cup in 2011 and ranked 11th in the world) to become the top team from their region, in this tournament. Coached by Shui Qingxia and captained by Wu Haiyan, the Chinese are placed 14th in the FIFA rankings, three places below their neighbours.
South American Champions
Brazil
The Verde-Amarela are one of the most exciting women’s teams in the world. They play an exuberant, attacking style of football, akin to what we have come to expect from the Brazilian Seleção. Their star strike and all time top goalscorer is Marta, who is participating in her last World Cup. One of the greats of the game, she has scored more goals (17 in total) at the World Cup than anybody else. However, she has never won the competition, with this being the last chance for the 37 year old. Coached by Sweedish legend Pia Sundhage they have a good chance. Ranked eighth in the World, they have medaled a staggering nine times at the Copa América Femenina. However, the World Cup has always eluded them, having come third in 1999 and second in 2007.
