Women’s World Cup 2023

Women’s World Cup 2023

What is it?

Football (or “soccer” in the US) is the most popular sport in the world, with over 3.5 billion fans. You may be familiar with sporting superstars Pele, Ronaldo and Messi, but how about Putellas, Smith, Kemp and Kerr?  No?  You soon will be!

When is it?

This week (July 20th) marks the start of the FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup; 32 nations will compete over four weeks to win the ultimate prize in women’s soccer; the 23 carat yellow and white gold trophy.  That’s 64 games played across 10 venues.  The group stage lasts for just under two weeks, with the top two teams from each of four groups progressing to the round of 16.  Over the next ten days the teams progress through the knock-out phase; the final will be held on August 20th.

USA! USA!

The US Women’s National Team (USWNT) are the favorites to win a consecutive (and unprecedented) third title, although England’s “Lionesses” and the “Golden Generation” of Spain have the potential to squash US hopes of victory.  What is certain is that games will be intense, with thrilling moments and outstanding performances by individual players that will make them household names, and there is always a chance for a surprise upset by an underdog team! The USWNT plays their first match vs. Vietnam on July 22nd.

Controversies

Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) competitions often attract their fair share of controversy.  In this year alone:

  • FIFA’s demands for higher television rights revenue had anxious European fans facing the threat of a broadcast “blackout”
  • Following fan and player protest FIFA was forced to withdraw from a deal with the Saudi government which would have made Saudi Arabia a prestige sponsor of the event via their “Visit Saudi” brand
  • An ongoing question remains as to whether FIFA will attempt to ban players from wearing rainbow armbands, as they did at the 2022 Men’s World Cup in QATAR, and if so, whether they will comply

Where to watch

Fox will be broadcasting all games on its main channel, as well as Fox Sports.  Spanish language coverage will be available on Telemundo.  Expect color, noise and spectacle, and listen for the Unity Beat – a fan chant unique to this tournament: “a sound and symbol to celebrate greatness”.

Learn more

If you’re looking for something to watch between matches, we can help! How about the new HBO documentary about the origins of the Angel City Football Club? And of course there’s never a bad time to watch (or rewatch) Ted Lasso. You can access HBO and Apple TV+ by borrowing a Roku from our Library of Things.The documentary “Equal Playing Field” is the story of 30 female soccer players from 24 different countries who climb Mount Kilimanjaro and descend into the Dead Sea, to compete in the highest and lowest elevation soccer matches ever played, and spread awareness for gender equality; log into Kanopy to watch that one. If reading is more your style, try a memoir written by some of women’s soccer giants, like Abby Wambach or Megan Rapinoe.

If you’d like help finding materials, or have any questions, stop by the Reference Desk or call 781-246-6334!