Who Won the Women's World Cup 2023
Spain won the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, defeating England 1-0 in the final at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20, 2023. The tournament was the first Women's World Cup held across Australia and New Zealand, with 32 national teams competing across 10 host cities. Spain claimed their first Women's World Cup title and became the third country to hold both the men's and women's FIFA World Cup trophies simultaneously. The final was decided by a 29th-minute goal from Olga Carmona, who scored from a corner kick. Spain finished the tournament unbeaten, winning 6 matches and drawing 1 before the final. The match attendance for the final was 75,784, setting a new record for a Women's World Cup final. Spain's victory marked the first time a European side won the Women's World Cup since Germany in 2007. The tournament generated record global viewership and significant commercial interest in women's football. Spain's win also highlighted the growing financial scale of women's professional football worldwide. More details on the tournament structure and broadcast reach are available on the official FIFA Women's World Cup page. The final match report with key statistics is published by FIFA.
Key Players and Performances
Spain's squad was led by captain Jenni Hermoso and midfield orchestrator Aitana Bonmatí, who won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. Bonmatí completed the most passes of any player in the tournament, reflecting Spain's dominance in possession-based play. Forward Salma Paralluelo scored 3 goals, including the winner in the semifinal against Sweden. England's Beth Mead and Lauren Hemp were among the top attackers, but England's squad struggled to convert chances in the final. Goalkeeper Mary Earps kept 3 clean sheets for England, including a save in the semifinal shootout against Australia. Spain's manager Jorge Vilda implemented a high-pressing tactical system that forced opponents into errors. The tournament also saw young talents like 18-year-old Salma Paralluelo emerge as decisive contributors. Spain's squad featured players from top clubs including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and OL Reign. The performance of Spanish players reinforced the growing influence of Liga F and the Women's Super League on the global stage. Detailed player statistics and heat maps are available in the official FIFA tournament report.
Tournament Impact and Financial Context
The 2023 Women's World Cup generated an estimated $570 million in total revenue, a significant increase from the 2019 edition in France. FIFA distributed $110 million in prize money, with Spain receiving $42 million for winning the tournament. The tournament's commercial success was driven by record broadcast deals in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific markets. Sponsorship revenue included partnerships with major brands such as Coca-Cola, Adidas, and Hyundai. The event also boosted tourism in Australia and New Zealand, with host cities reporting increased visitor spending. FIFA's investment in women's football infrastructure has accelerated, with a target to double the number of professional women's players by 2025. The success of the tournament is expected to influence future collective bargaining agreements in women's football leagues. Spain's victory is likely to increase merchandise sales and broadcasting rights value for Liga F. The tournament's financial impact is analyzed in detail by Forbes.
Broader Economic Implications
The commercial growth of women's football is reflected in increased valuations of women's professional clubs and higher player salaries. Spain's Liga F has seen a rise in average attendance and broadcast viewership since the tournament. The success of the Spanish national team has strengthened the commercial appeal of players like Bonmatí and Hermoso in the transfer market. FIFA's commitment to gender equity in prize money is a key driver