Spain vs England: Preview, TV, live-stream, match stats, team news for 2023 WWC final

Topics: TV Listings, TV Schedules, Spain Women's, England Women's, 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup final will have a new winner as both Spain and England are featuring in this match for the first time on Sunday, August 20th.

On Sunday, either Spain or England will make national history as the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup gets underway. For both teams, this will be the first time either have featured in the finals, and it goes without saying that both La Roja and the Lionesses will be feeling the pressure. With the USWNT, who came into this competition as the reigning champions, knocked out in the round of 16 by Sweden, there has been growing excitement to see which side will dethrone the Stars and Stripes as champions of women's football.

Spain, who are making only their third ever World Cup appearance after making their debut in 2015, have had an excellent competition so far. Despite facing a lot of off the pitch drama prior to the competition due to a dispute between players and the country's football federation, Jorge Vilda's side kicked off their group stage campaign in convincing fashion with two comfortable 3-0 and 5-0 wins over Costa Rica and Zambia. However, they were knocked down a perch as Japan pulled off a surprise 4-0 win on matchday three, meaning that Spain headed into the round of 16 as runners-up in Group C.

Yet, it actually turned to be a blessing in disguise, as they faced a Switzerland side who, despite topping Group A, had scored just two goals in their three group stage games. After cruising to a 5-1 win - with one of Switzerland's goals actually being the result of an unfortunate own goal by Laia Codina - Spain were paired against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, where they were able to overpower the Oranje to secure a 2-1 win and head into the semi-finals for the first time in team history.

Sweden did prove to be a stern opponent, but Spain managed to find a breakthrough. In a frantic 10 minutes to end the match, three goals were scored that ultimately decided the match in La Roja's favor, 2-1. Now, they will look to cap off what has been a very impressive tournament by beating England, but the Lionesses certainly have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with in this competition.

Despite a slow start that saw them struggle to break down debutant side Haiti as well as Denmark, England still did enough to secure two gritty 1-0 wins and put themselves in good stead to qualify for the round of 16. Sarina Wiegman's team were absolutely imperious as they demolished China 6-1, with Chelsea star Lauren James receiving plenty of deserved plaudits for her top class showing.

James, however, would find herself involved in a bit of controversy as she was sent off during England's tense round of 16 tie against Nigeria. Although the Lionesses had to play well over 30 minutes with a player disadvantage, they were still able to see off the Super Falcons following a tense penalty shootout. Following that, their experience and better tactical nous helped them to beat a stubborn Colombia side who despite making their first ever quarter-finals appearance, were determined to give the UEFA Women's EURO 2022 winners a tough battle.

In the semi-finals, England locked horns with an Australia side who had the force of pretty much most of the entire stadium cheering them on. Although Sam Kerr gave the Lionesses a scare with her brilliant equalizer, England were able to crank up the tempo and score two goals sans reply to win that tie 3-1.

A year after winning their first major title, England are now on the cusp of making more history. Should the Lionesses win Sunday's final, they will have ended a 57-year long wait for England to win a World Cup after the men's side won it back in 1966.

Interestingly, Spain vs England represents the first time in two decades that two teams from the same confederation (UEFA) are facing off in the final, after Germany beat Sweden back in 2003. Regardless of the victor, one of these teams will be making history.

Will it be Spain or England? We will definitely know the answer on Sunday, whether it be after 90 minutes, 120 minutes, or perhaps more.

Team news: Spain vs England

All info as of August 18, 2023

Spain: No recent injury or illness concerns for Spain, meaning that they should have everyone available for this match.

England: England have been given a huge boost with the return of Lauren James for this game after the Chelsea striker had to serve a two match ban following her red card against Nigeria.

Match facts: Spain vs England

Both Spain and England are featuring in the final for the first time in their respective histories
Should La Roja win, they will become only the second nation to have won both the men's and women's World Cups...
...and the same applies for England, who come into this match as the EURO 2022 winners
This is the first time since 2003 that two teams from the same confederation are facing off in the final

Broadcast info: Spain vs England

Where can I watch Spain vs England live?

USA: For fans based in the USA, Spain vs England kicks off at 6 AM EST (3 AM PST) on Sunday, August 20th, and there are plenty of choices to follow the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup final.

These options include catching the game on TV via FOX, while FOX Sports App provides an on-the-go choice and the match can also be streamed via Foxsports.com or Peacock.

For Spanish-speakers, they can check out Telemundo and Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, as well as UNIVERSO and UNIVERSO NOW.

In addition, FuboTV and Sling TV offer additional live-streaming services, with Fox Sports 1 available on both FuboTV and Sling TV, while Spanish-speakers also will find their channels available on FuboTV.

Finally, SiriusXM FC provides another way to follow the game via radio if that's your preference.

England: There are several ways fans in England can cheer on the Lionesses as they hope to win their first ever World Cup. TV options include BBC One, ITV 1 UK, and STV Scotland, while live-streaming and on-the-go options include ITVX, STV Player, BBC Sport Web, and BBC iPlayer.