WWC2023: James strike pushes England towards last 16
July 28 – England closed in on a round-of-16 berth at the Women’s World Cup with an improved performance to defeat Denmark 1-0, a result that was marred by a serious injury to Keira Walsh.
Aus-NZ 2023
Booking.com signed sponsorship deal with FIFA whilst withholding hotel and host payments
July 25 – FIFA’s last minute sponsorship with Booking.com has sparked anger amongst small hotels and accommodation hosts, thousands of whom had gone unpaid worldwide for more than six weeks when the sponsorship deal was announced.
Argentina and South Africa entertain with draw that keeps Group G alive to final round
By Samindra Kunti in Dunedin
July 28 – Argentina rallied late to rescue a 2-2 draw against South Africa in an enthralling Group G match with both the South Americans and Banyana Banyana retaining a chance of progressing from the group.
WWC2023: Nigeria shock hosts leaving Aussies with must-win game against Canada
July 27 – Nigeria came from behind to stun co-hosts Australia 3-2 on Thursday and leave the Matildas fighting for their lives to qualify for the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup.
Dutch coach rues missed opportunity to make home fans happy in the middle of the night
July 27 – Netherlands coach Andries Jonker had mixed feelings following an intense 1-1 draw with the United States in Group E, a result that allows the Dutch to claim top spot at the expense of the Americans in their final group game. “I didn’t sign for this,” lamented Jonker.
Indigenous communities keep pressure on FIFA over ‘empty symbolism’ of WWC imagery
By Samindra Kunti in Auckland
July 26 – Indigenous Football Australia (IFA) have written to FIFA and Football Australia, slamming their “empty symbolism” of Indigenous imagery at the Women’s World Cup. FIFA, however, say work is being done on space for indigenous football.
WWC 2023 – Spain and Japan glide past Costa Rica and Zambia into last 16
By Samindra Kunti in Auckland
May 26 – Spain and Japan became the first teams to book their ticket for the Women’s World Cup’s knockout stage, sending debutants Zambia and Costa Rica home in Group C.
Aussies lead on ticket sales as WWC2023 breaks attendance records
July 25 – FIFA have said that the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will be the best-attended edition ever of the tournament after selling more than 1.5 million tickets five days into the tournament.
Philippines spoil New Zealand party as Swiss edge to top of group
By Samindra Kunti in Hamilton
July 25 – The Philippines shocked co-hosts New Zealand with a 1-0 victory to blow Group A wide open. In the other group fixture, Norway and Switzerland held each other, 0-0.
FIFA pushes broadcast sales to the wire but delivers 200+ territories and $200m for WWC2023
July 24 – FIFA has said that despite difficulties in concluding broadcast contracts, they nevertheless provide a “strong global platform” for the Women’s World Cup.
NZ fan interest tapers off as Italy snatch late winner against Argentina
By Samindra Kunti in Auckland
July 24 – Italy opened their Women’s World Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over Argentina following a last-gasp goal by substitute Cristiana Girelli.
Drone show celebrates Concacaf’s qualified women’s teams as World Cup 2023 kicks off
July 23 – To mark the start of the Women’s World Cup 2023 and as a send-off for a record number of Concacaf nations playing in the event, Concacaf through Skyworx Drone Shows, staged another spectacular drone light show.
Vietnam make historic debut against three-peat chasing USA
July 22 – Vietnam made their debut at the World Cup finals with a respectable 3-0 defeat against defending champions the United States, who outshot their opponents 28-0 but failed to capitalise on their chances against a fiercely competitive Vietnamese side.
WWC2023: Rainbow armbands banned, England pick other ‘moral’ causes
July 21 – England captain Millie Bright has been passed fit for her country’s opening game of the women’s World Cup and will wear armbands to raise awareness for a range of social causes.
England’s Earps gets shirty over Nike’s lack of goalkeeper jerseys
July 21 – England goalkeeper Mary Earps says she is hurt and disappointed that fans cannot buy a replica of her shirt for the second tournament running.