Venue, date, schedule, pots, how it works? We’ve got you covered

The 2023 Women’s World Cup is just around the corner. For those looking forward to the event, here’s all you need to know ahead of the tournament:

For the first time ever, this year’s tournament will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.  The tournament is scheduled to kick off on July 20 until August 20, 2023 with games played across 10 stadiums—six in Australia and four in New Zealand.

With a total of 32 teams (eight more than the previous tournament), it is the ninth Women’s World Cup in history and the biggest yet. Founded in 1991, Women’s World Cup tournaments have been won by four national teams—the United States have won four times, and are the current reigning champions. Other winners are Germany with two titles, and Japan and Norway with one title each.

Photo: Courtesy of FIFA Women’s World Cup

While the US will enter the tournament as defending champions, England are aiming to take the prize from them, after decisively winning the 2022 European championships.

Who has qualified?

– Australia (co-hosts)
– New Zealand (co-hosts)

Asian Football Confederation (AFC):

– China, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam 

Confederation of African Football (CAF):

– Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia 

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF):

– Canada, Costa Rica, Jamaica, United States

The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL)

– Argentina, Brazil, Colombia 

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)

– Denmark, England, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

The schedule:

Group stage: July 20–August 3
Round of 16: August 5–8
Quarterfinals: August 11–12
Semifinals: August 15–16
Third-place playoff: August 19
Final: August 20

How does the Women’s World Cup draw work?

At the draw, a total of 32 teams will be drawn into eight groups of four. With a total of four pots, each with eight balls, pot one includes the hosts New Zealand and Australia, along with the six highest-ranked teams in the world based on the latest FIFA rankings. Pot two features the next eight highest-ranked teams and pot three the next eight highest-ranked.

Keep in mind that those are the eight highest-ranked teams that are already qualified. Pot four will feature eight spots to be placed into groups, and three of those will be the winners of a global playoff in February in New Zealand. 

Photo: Courtesy of FIFA Women’s World Cup

Draw Results

The draw for the 2023 Women’s World Cup took place on Saturday, October 22 at the Aotea Centre in Auckland.

Photo: Courtesy of FIFA Women’s World Cup

The stage has been set, who will claim the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy this year?

For information on tickets, visit fifa.com.