Spain clinched their first FIFA Women’s World Cup title in 2023, defeating England 1-0 in a closely contested final. The tournament, hosted by Australia and New Zealand, showcased Spain’s tactical prowess, with Olga Carmona scoring the decisive goal.
20 August 2023. ⏮️
Two months since @7OlgaCarmona's goal secured the #FIFAWWC trophy for Spain. 🏆
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) October 20, 2023
Spain’s women’s football has grown strong over the past decade, thanks to major efforts in youth programs. This historic win spotlights that progress.
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The battle for the Golden Boot was a major high point, with England’s Alessia Russo and Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso among the top scorers. Hermoso’s crucial goals were vital in Spain’s march to the championship, making her one of the standout players of the tournament. The competition for top scorer kept fans engaged throughout, adding an extra layer of excitement to the games.
This #FIFAWWC Final had everything. 🔥
🎥 Relive every minute of drama from Spain v England on FIFA+!
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 24, 2023
Brazil, always a fan favorite, exited the tournament earlier than expected. Despite strong performances from legends like Marta and rising star Debinha, Brazil fell to Jamaica in the Round of 16. Their departure was a disappointment to many, but their games remained some of the most watched and celebrated.
Attendance and viewership
The 2023 Women’s World Cup not only marked Spain’s rise but also proved the growing depth of women’s football globally by setting new records in attendance and viewership.
For instance, the tournament attracted over 1.5 million attendees, surpassing the previous record set in 2019.
Furthermore, the final match alone drew an estimated global TV audience of over 260 million viewers, which was a substantial increase from the 2019 final.
These figures, and many others, show the rising popularity of women’s football and suggest a future with more investments and media coverage.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the first five episodes available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel. Stay tuned for upcoming releases as we keep telling this legend’s life story.
