The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is just around the corner, and anticipation is reaching fever pitch. As Australia and New Zealand gear up to make history as the tournament’s first co-hosts, Brazil is determined to secure their first-ever championship, and the USA aims for an extraordinary hat trick of titles. The excitement in the air is palpable, and football fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the kickoff. To ensure you don’t miss a thing from the football Mundial, scheduled from 20th July to 20th August, iLOT Bet presents five intriguing facts to keep in mind ahead of the Women’s World Cup.

The First Co-Hosted Women’s World Cup

The 2023 Women’s World Cup will mark the first time the tournament is jointly hosted. Australia and New Zealand have joined forces to welcome teams from all over the world. New Zealand will host games featuring Group A, C, E, and F, as well as potentially hosting their own team in the knockout stages. Meanwhile, Australia will take charge of the majority of the knockout phase, including the third-place playoff and the final. This collaborative effort between the two countries promises a unique and unforgettable tournament experience.

A World Cup Like No Other – The Biggest Women’s World Cup

The upcoming edition of the Women’s World Cup is set to have a stacked field of 32 teams. UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) will have the highest number of representatives with 12 teams participating. CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) and AFC (Asian Football Confederation) will each have six teams, while CAF (Confederation of African Football) will send four teams from Africa. CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation) will be represented by three teams, and New Zealand, one of the host nations, will be the only team from the OFC (Oceania Football Confederation). This diverse mix of teams promises an exciting and fiercely competitive tournament.

The Home-Advantage Factor

According to reports from NBC Sports, only one team has emerged as the World Cup winners while playing on home soil. The United States achieved this feat in 1999 when they defeated China on penalties in a thrilling final held at the Rose Bowl. This year, Australia, led by Chelsea’s Sam Kerr, is considered one of the tournament favorites. They have already showcased their capabilities by defeating European Champions England earlier this year. The Australian team has the chance to defy history and potentially become the second team to win the World Cup on home soil. On the other hand, New Zealand, the co-host, would have to lift the trophy away from home, as the final will take place in Sydney, Australia.

Debut for New Nations

The recent expansion of the tournament format has allowed for more nations to participate, providing multiple teams with the chance to make their debut on the world stage. In the 2023 Women’s World Cup, several teams will be playing in the tournament for the very first time. The Philippines, Vietnam, Morocco, Zambia, Haiti, Panama, Portugal, and the Republic of Ireland will all have the opportunity to showcase their talents and contribute to the global growth of women’s football. This expansion is a testament to the increasing popularity and inclusivity of the sport.

Opportunity for Players to Set Individual Records

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is not only a stage for teams to compete for glory but also an opportunity for players to etch their names into the history books with individual and team records. As the tournament approaches, several intriguing records are in sight, promising an extra layer of excitement for fans around the world.

Vanina Correa of Argentina has the opportunity to break the record for the oldest goalkeeper in the Women’s World Cup. If she plays as expected, she will surpass the current record held by Meg of Brazil, who was 39 years and 159 days old when Brazil faced Germany in 1995. Correa, who will turn 40 in August, will be aiming to leave her mark on the tournament and set a new milestone for goalkeepers.

On the other end of the spectrum, Casey Phair from South Korea has the chance to become the youngest player to participate in the Women’s World Cup. If she plays as planned, Phair will break the current record held by Ifeanyi Chiejine of Nigeria, who was 16 years and 35 days old (including the match date) when Nigeria played against South Korea in 1999. Phair, who turned 16 at the end of June, will be 16 years and 27 days old on the 25th of July, which coincides with South Korea’s first scheduled match against Morocco.

Two legendary players, Marta of Brazil and Christine Sinclair of Canada, have the opportunity to extend their record as the players (male or female) who have scored in the most World Cup tournaments. Both Marta and Sinclair have found the back of the net in five different tournaments, and they will be aiming to add to their impressive goal tallies in 2023.

Marta also has a chance to extend her record as the player with the most individual goals scored in the Women’s World Cup. With 17 goals to her name, Marta currently holds the record, with her last goal coming from a penalty against Italy in 2019, leading Brazil to a 1-0 victory. If she finds the back of the net in 2023, Marta will further solidify her status as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.

Christine Sinclair, the captain of the Canadian team, will extend her record as the player who has participated in the most World Cup tournaments as a captain. With the 2023 edition included, Sinclair will have led her team in five different tournaments, showcasing her longevity and leadership on the international stage.

Norway’s head coach, Hege Riise, has the opportunity to make history by becoming the first individual to win the Women’s World Cup both as a player and as a coach. Riise, who won the player of the year “Golden Ball” award in 1995, now aims to guide Norway to success from the sidelines in 2023.

Several players have the chance to etch their names in the record books with exceptional performances. Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe of the United States could extend the record for the most appearances in the World Cup Final, currently tied by six players at three appearances. If they play in the final, they will surpass the existing record.

Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, or Marta could become the first player to win the player of the year “Golden Ball” trophy twice if one of them secures the award in 2023. Rapinoe claimed the honor in 2019, while Marta won it in 2007, and they will be aiming to add another accolade to their impressive careers.

Closer to home, iLOT Bet, the most reliable platform for sports betting in Nigeria, is throwing its support behind the Super Falcons of Nigeria. As the Nigerian team prepares to compete in the upcoming World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, fans are rallying behind them, eager to see their team excel and make Africa proud.

With all these factors in play, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup promises to be a thrilling and historic event. As football fans worldwide eagerly await the first whistle, the stage is set for an unforgettable tournament filled with fierce competition, record-breaking performances, and the joy of seeing new nations make their mark on the world stage. The countdown has begun, and the football world is buzzing with excitement.

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