Today is the day! After weeks of intense competition, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final is finally here. Spain vs. England will battle it out for the biggest prize in women’s football – the coveted World Cup trophy.
As the two European powerhouses take the field in Sydney, fans around the world will be glued to their screens. Read on for everything you need to know about watching and following today’s huge Spain vs. England match.
How to Watch the Women’s World Cup Final
When: Sunday, August 20, 2023, at 6 am ET / 11 am BST
Where: Sydney, Australia
In the United States, games will be aired on FOX Sports, while Telemundo is providing Spanish-language coverage.
The Seven Network, Optus Sport, and the BBC have the rights to broadcast matches in Australia, while ITV has the rights in the United Kingdom.
You can find a full breakdown of media rights holders in each country on the FIFA website.
How Both Teams Got Here
Spain and England have taken very different paths to reach the World Cup final, overcoming tough opposition and brewing rivalry along the way.
Spain’s Journey
La Roja started their World Cup campaign with a dominant 7-0 win over Costa Rica. They continued their goal-scoring form by beating Zambia 3-1 and Japan 2-0 to top Group C.
In the knockout rounds, Spain faced tougher challenges. They edged past Brazil 1-0 in the round of 16, then beat old foes France 2-1 in a tense quarter-final. Their semi-final against hosts Australia went to extra time before Spain emerged victorious thanks to an extra-time winner from super-sub Alba Redondo.
England’s Road to the Finals
Meanwhile, the Lionesses have powered through the tournament with their formidable attacking play. England scored 14 goals and conceded none across the group stage, beating Samoa 6-0 before thumping Norway 8-0 and Northern Ireland 5-0.
In the knockouts, England shut out Senegal 3-0 in the last 16. Their quarter-final clash with the US was hotly anticipated, and the Lionesses rose to the occasion with a clinical 2-1 win over the reigning Champions. Against Sweden in the semis, England rode an early goal from Beth Mead and held on to win 1-0.
Who Will Make the Difference?
With the trophy on the line, which players could prove decisive in today’s final?
Spain’s Super Sub
All eyes will be on Alba Redondo. The 23-year-old midfielder has been Spain’s not-so-secret weapon, coming off the bench to score extra-time winners against both Australia and France. Her energy and attacking flair could be a game-changer.
Manager Jorge Vilda has used Redondo strategically as an impact sub throughout the tournament. Expect him to do the same again today, bringing her on in the second half to run at England’s tiring defenders.
England’s Tactical Tinkering
Meanwhile, England boss Sarina Wiegman has shown she’s not afraid to make bold tactical decisions in this tournament. She may have another surprise up her sleeve for the final.
Wiegman surprisingly benched star striker Ellen White against Sweden, starting with a front three of Beth Mead, Lauren Hemp,, and Rachel Daly instead. The tactical switch worked perfectly in that semi-final shutout.
With the World Cup on the line, could Wiegman opt for another change to her starting XI? We’ll have to wait and see what curveballs she has planned against Spain today.
No matter who takes the field, this final promises to be an epic battle between two excellent teams at the peak of their powers. Spain are looking for their first-ever World Cup title, while England are hoping to lift the trophy for the first time in their history.
With over 82,500 fans expected to pack into Sydney and hundreds of millions more watching worldwide, get ready for a fitting end to a groundbreaking 2023 Women’s World Cup!
