Everything you need to know about the Women’s World Cup 2023

This is the first Women’s World Cup to feature 32 sides, split into eight groups of four. The top two sides from each group will progress into a round of 16 before the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final.

The tournament will get underway on July 20 with New Zealand facing a very good Norway side and Australia playing Katie McCabe’s Republic of Ireland team.

The 2023 tournament is being held in Australia and New Zealand, the first time a major women’s tournament will be held across two nations.

The 2023 Women’s World Cup will be the ninth time the best international footballers in the women’s game battle it out to see who’s the strongest on the planet. Here’s everything you need to know.

The final is set to be played on 20th August at Stadium Australia in Sydney. Usually playing host to both codes of rugby, the ex-Olympic stadium can hold 82,500 spectators and the hosts are hoping for a sell-out!

The USA has won four of the previous eight tournaments, showing themselves as consistently the best side in the women’s game.

Once again, the USA is entering the World Cup as favorite, with a star-studded lineup featuring experienced winners like Alex Morgan and up-and-coming talent like Alyssa Thompson, they are the team to beat.

Coming off the back of their Euro 22 victory, England are seen by the bookies as second favorites, with talent across the side despite losing Leak Williamson, Fran Kirby and Beth Mead to knee injuries.

Behind England comes a trio of European powerhouses, with two-time winners Germany, the incredibly talented Spanish and French teams are all considered in contention.

Women’s football is growing rapidly around the world, with fan engagement at an all-time high. With investment increasing and the game becoming more and more professional, expect to see the highest caliber tournament yet, featuring some of the greatest women’s footballers ever, let’s take a closer look at some players to watch.

Playing for an Australian side that will look to go deep in the tournament they’re hosting, Kerr is a machine of a striker. With great movement and even better finishing, the Chelsea star is a good shout for the Golden Boot prize.

Probably the best player on the planet in the Women’s game, Putellas is the key cog in the dominant Barcelona Femení side. The midfielder has won back-to-back Balon d’Ors and will be looking to add a World Cup to her stacked trophy cabinet.

Part of Wolfsburg’s side that made the Women's Champions League final, Oberdorf is the consummate central midfielder. With an incredible reading of the game, she is always one step ahead, whether that is breaking up play, or with progressive passing. She will play a huge part for a very good German side and is still only 21.

Thompson is only 18 and has barely made a mark in professional football, but the talent is clearly there. Starting in recent games for the favorites, her pace and ability on the ball will strike fear into opposing full-backs.

Lucy Bronze is no stranger to winning big tournaments as she has four Women’s Champions League trophies, a host of league titles, and played a big part in England’s success at the Euro 22 tournament. A do-it-all right back, Bronze will be seen bombing in behind at times whilst also providing defense solidity when needed.

The 28-year-old Barcelona forward is seen by many as the best Women’s player ever produced by an African nation, and the stats will certainly back that up. With nearly a goal a game for her all-conquering Barca Femini side, Oshoala will play a staring role if Nigeria are to make their mark on this tournament.