It's nearly here!
In less than 24 hours' time, the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup will get underway, with 31 teams all looking to challenge reigning champions USA for the coveted prize.
Let's have a look at ten interesting facts and stats ahead of the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
1. New Zealand's luck to change?
The Ferns, who are serving as co-hosts of the upcoming World Cup, will hope that their home pitch advantage could bring them some much-needed luck.
While New Zealand are no strangers to World Cups, and will be making their sixth appearance this summer, they haven't had the best results in their last five appearances. Indeed, to date, the Ferns have never won a World Cup game, which means they have exited at the group stages in all five of their prior tournament appearances.
Currently in a group alongside Norway, Switzerland, and debutants Philippines, it's safe to say that New Zealand will hope their luck will change this summer. And, they just may get that opportunity to end their rotten run in front of their home crowd.
2. Age ain't nothing but a number for one Super Falcons star...
She might be 40 years old, but certainly Onome Ebi is showing no signs of slowing down. On Thursday, she will be skippering Nigeria as they take on Canada, who is also led by a fellow 40-year-old, Christine Sinclair. Interestingly, Ebi, who plays as a defender, will largely be tasked with marking veteran striker Sinclair in what should be an interesting battle between two seasoned players. In featuring this summer, Ebi becomes the first African player to play at six World Cups, having made her debut 20 years ago in the 2003 edition.
3. ...and speaking of age, one Canadian ace could make history, too
Meanwhile, the aforementioned Christine Sinclair will be making her sixth World Cup appearance and should she score at any point, could make history. So far, she's the second women's player to score at five different World Cups (after Brazilian ace Marta), and could become the first (of both men and women) to net at six World Cups.
Brazil's Marta could also do likewise, but should Sinclair net on Thursday, she will get to hold that record for herself (at least until Brazil face debutants Panama on Monday, July 24th).
4. Only four countries have ever won a World Cup
Did you know that only four countries have ever won a World Cup? Japan made history back in 2011 as the first Asian nation to win it by shockingly defeating the USWNT in the final.
With the USWNT having won exactly half of the titles, the other winners include Germany (2), and Norway (1). The Stars and Stripes, naturally, are the heavy favorites, but anything is possible as the field has grown much stronger since the tournament's inception in 1991.
5. The USWNT have won on every continent...so far
Having won four titles, the USWNT are the most successful team in Women's World Cup history. In addition, the Stars and Stripes have the unique record of having won the competition in every confederation it's been played in. That includes twice in CONCACAF (1999, USA and 2015, Canada), once in UEFA (2019, France), and once in Asia (China, 1991).
Now that the tournament is being played in two confederations, it will be interesting to see if Team USA's good streak will continue as they seek a historic "three-peat".
7. A unique group of eight
A total of eight teams are making their debut at this summer's World Cup. Thanks to an expanded field, with 32 teams taking part for the first time, Morocco, Zambia, Panama, Haiti, Ireland, Portugal, Vietnam and the Philippines will all have a chance to feature on world football's biggest stage.
8. Ninth time lucky for Sweden, Nigeria or Brazil?
Sweden are just a handful of teams to have played in all nine World Cups. However, the Scandinavians, who are currently ranked third, have been able to get their hands on the coveted prize, with their best result happening in 2003 when they finished as runners-up.
Nigeria also have played at every single World Cup, but the Super Falcons have never gotten beyond the quarter-finals. In fact, no African team have ever gotten to a Women's World Cup final. After Morocco made history in 2022 by becoming the first CAF side to get to a semi-final, will we see history repeated in some form in the women's competition this summer?
Brazil, meanwhile, have also played at every single World Cup, but have also come up short. The best result for the South American powerhouse was a runners-up medal in 2007, which is a rather disappointing return considering their dominance in CONMEBOL.
Where can I watch the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup?
For options to follow the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup both live and on demand, make sure you bookmark our special 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup broadcast page for geo-targeted options tailored to your specific location.
