The Women’s World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand, marked the tournament’s ninth edition and showcased several noteworthy changes. It was co-hosted by the two countries, with matches spread across ten stadiums in nine different cities. The event was the first World Cup to feature 32 teams, allowing more nations to compete for the prestigious prize. Additionally, eight debutant teams, including Haiti, the Republic of Ireland, and Zambia, graced the stage for the first time. These new inclusions aimed to invigorate the competition and add excitement to the mix. Another significant development was the historic payments awarded to participants. The prize pot was increased to $110 million, nearly three times more than in 2019, with every player receiving compensation based on their team’s progress in the tournament. These increased payments signified a step towards recognizing and supporting female footballers’ efforts and careers. FIFA’s new payment model sought to ensure fairness and universality, with FIFPRO expressing its hope for a transformative journey for women’s professional football.

This edition of the Women’s World Cup promised to break new ground, from the co-hosting arrangement to the influx of fresh teams, providing football enthusiasts with a thrilling and unprecedented experience. As the excitement built, the global spotlight was on the world’s most talented players, with fans eagerly awaiting the crowning of the next Women’s World Cup champion. The historic tournament captured the hearts of millions worldwide, highlighting the growth and importance of women’s football on the global stage.