They started off as 32 nations all competing for the big prize of being crowned World Champions, trying to take over the mantle from the USA who won the last two editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup (Canada 2015 and France 2019).
Sixty (60) matches later, only four countries remain with four games still to be played.
A new winner will be crowned on 20 August 2023 at the Sydney Football Stadium after the reigning champions were knocked out by semi-finalists Sweden 5-4 on penalties following a goalless stalemate in the Round of 16.
The four-time champions, who were looking to become the first nation to win three in a row, were sent packing before reaching the last four – for the first time in history.
Also gone with the wind are two time champions Germany (who could not get out of their group); 1995 winners Norway ands 2011 gold medallists Japan.
All eyes are now on England, Spain, Sweden as well as co-hosts Australia – all in the top 10:
Sweden – 3rd
England – 4th
Spain – 6th
Australia – 10th
Spain, Sweden and Australia are making their first appearance in the semi-finals, while England finished third and fourth in 2015 and 2019 respectively.
HERE’S HOW THEY GOT TO THE SEMI-FINALS:
ENGLAND
Group Stages:
1 – 0 vs Haiti
1 – 0 vs Denmark
6 – 1 vs China
Round of 16:
0 (4) – 0 (2) vs Nigeria (won on penalties)
Quarterfinals:
2 – 1 vs Colombia
Semi-finals opponents: Australia in Sydney
Knockout-phase record – Semi-finals: 0 wins, 2 losses
SPAIN:
Group Stages:
3 – 0 vs Costa Rica
5 – 0 vs Zambia
0 – 4 vs Japan
Round of 16:
5 – 1 vs Switzerland
Quarterfinals:
2 – 1 vs Netherlands
Semi-finals opponents: Sweden in Auckland
Knockout-phase record – Semi-finals: No appearances
SWEDEN
Group Stages:
2 – 1 vs South Africa
5 – 0 vs Italy
2 – 0 vs Argentina
Round of 16:
0 (5) – 0 (4) vs USA (won on penalties)
Quarterfinals:
2 – 1 vs Sweden
Semi-finals opponents: Spain in Auckland
Knockout-phase record – Semi-finals: No appearances
AUSTRALIA
Group Stages:
1 – 0 vs Republic of Ireland
2 – 3 vs Nigeria
4 – 0 vs Canada
Round of 16:
2 – 0 vs Denmark
Quarterfinals:
0 (7) – 0 (6) vs France
Semi-finals opponents: England in Sydney
Knockout-phase record – Semi-finals: No appearances
Round of 16 results
5 August
6 August
Sweden 0-0 USA (Sweden win 5-4 on penalties)
7 August
England 0-0 Nigeria (England win 4-2 on penalties)
8 August
Quarter-final fixtures and results
11 August
12 August
Australia 0-0 France (Australia win 7-6 on penalties)
Semi-final fixtures:
15 August:
Spain v Sweden 20:00, Eden Park
(Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau)
16 August:
Australia v England 20:00, Stadium Australia
(Sydney/Wangal)
19 August
Third-place match
Spain or Sweden v Australia or England 18:00, Brisbane Stadium
(Brisbane/Meaanjin)
20 August
World Cup final
Spain or Sweden v Australia or England 20:00, Stadium Australia
(Sydney/Wangal)
