The final match of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be held at Stadium Australia in Sydney and will kick off at 8 p.m. local time Sunday, Aug. 20. This means somewhere between the wee nighttime hours and the bleary-eyed morning ones here in America—and there’s real symbolism kicking around in there. It’s already a new day in Australia, time booted forward. And, likewise, unmistakable themes of progress and evolution will sound throughout this year’s competition.
Mirroring the explosive growth of women’s sports generally, and women’s soccer specifically, this year’s tournament will feature teams from 32 countries, up from 24. For the first time in the women’s competition, games will be split between two host countries, Australia and New Zealand. For that matter, this marks the first time the event will be held in the Southern Hemisphere.
Simon Bruty/Sports Illustrated
