AUCKLAND: The highly anticipated 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will commence on Thursday in Australia and New Zealand. The opening match will feature New Zealand facing off against Norway at Eden Park in Auckland, starting at 0700GMT. Simultaneously, Australia, the co-host nation, will take on Ireland in a Group B match at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
The quadrennial international football championship, which runs until August 20, will showcase 32 teams competing in 64 matches over the course of a month. For the first time in the history of the tournament, this expanded format will allow more teams to participate. The top two teams from each of the eight groups will advance to the knockout stage, leading to the highly anticipated final at Stadium Australia.
Favorite Teams of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Among the favorites are the United States, the reigning champions from the 2015 and 2019 editions, who hold the record with four Women’s World Cup titles. However, teams like Germany, England, Spain, and France are expected to provide strong competition for the coveted trophy.
FIFA has announced that the total prize pool for the 2023 World Cup is an impressive $110 million, a significant increase compared to the $30 million awarded in 2019. The world champions will receive a total of $10.5 million, with $4.29 million going to the winning association and the remainder being distributed among the players. The runners-up will earn $7.5 million.
Football fans from around the globe are eagerly anticipating the start of the tournament, which promises exciting matches and memorable moments as the world’s best women’s teams compete for international glory.
