The best players in the world will meet on July 20 on the fields of Australia and New Zealand. The 2023 Women’s World Cup will be unique for many reasons.

It will be the first time that 32 teams will play, beating the record from previous editions, which is indicative of the boom in women’s soccer. The last two World Cups, 2019 in France and 2015 in Canada, featured 24 teams.

If we go back to the previous four, 2011 in Germany, 2007 in China, 2003 and 1999 in the United States, only 16 teams attended the event. In the first two editions, China 1991 and Sweden 1996, only 12 teams took part in the tournament.

This ninth edition is expected to attract more fans than ever before. The 2022 Women’s EURO already surpassed viewing records, being the most watched in history.

Women’s soccer isn’t setting a ceiling, and this World Cup is looking to continue that trend by increasing viewing and attendance figures. For now, the opening match with co-hosts Australia is sold out, according to FIFA.

World Cup Format

There are 32 teams, divided into 8 groups (4 each). All teams play one match against each team in their group. In other words, each team will play at least three matches.

After the three games, the two teams with the most points out of the group of four will qualify for the next phase.

In the event of a tie, the greater goal difference will be taken into account; if it is the same, the team with more goals scored will go through. If there is still a tie, the next criterion will be the result between the tied teams, then fair play and finally a draw.

A total of 16 teams will play in the round of 16, with the first teams in each group meeting the second teams in the other group.

From there, eight qualify for the quarterfinals, four for the semifinals and two for the final on August 20.

How many matches will be played at the 2023 Women’s World Cup?

Due to the increase in the number of participating teams, this will be the World Cup with the most matches in history. Over the course of a full month, the ball will be kicked up to 64 times for the enjoyment of football fans.

There will be 48 group matches, 8 in the round of 16, 4 in the quarterfinals, 2 semifinals, the fight for third place and the final.