The most watched women’s football showdown is set to kick off on Thursday, July 20, as the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup begins in Australia and New Zealand. This edition marks the ninth tournament of its kind, and both Spain and the host nations start their campaigns on opening day. Spain lands in Group C and faces a demanding schedule that promises early tests against formidable opponents while the team builds momentum for the later rounds.
Group play brings together 32 teams divided into eight groups of four. Spain enters Group C alongside strong teams capable of shaking up the standings. Their initial fixtures include an opening clash against Costa Rica on July 21 at 9:30 am, followed by a match with Zambia on July 26 at 9:30 am, and a pivotal meeting with Japan, one of the title contenders, on July 31 at 9:00 am. A top-two finish in the group would secure a spot in the knockout stage, while finishing third or fourth would end the tournament at the group phase.
Progress beyond the group stage opens two possible routes. If Spain finishes first in Group C, they would meet the second-place team from Group A on August 5 at 10:00 am, a block consisting of New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, and Switzerland. Advancing to the quarterfinals would pit them against the winner of the Round of 16 match between the Group G winner and the Group E runner-up on August 11 at 9:30 am. This path could lead to a high-stakes clash in the quarterfinals as they chase a place in the semi finals and beyond.
Should the ascent to the knockout rounds hinge on a second-place finish in Group C, the route becomes more challenging for Spanish fans. The Round of 16 would take place on August 5 at 7:00 am against the Group A winner. If Spain advances, the quarterfinals would place them against the victor from the contest between the Group E winner and the Group G runner-up on August 11 at 3:00 pm. The obstacles in this path are steep, yet progress remains possible with disciplined play and precise execution.
The semi finals operate with a straightforward logic. If Spain reaches this stage by finishing first or second in the group, they would compete on August 15 at 10:00 am. A loss would send them into a match on August 19 at 10:00 am for a chance to claim third place, while a win would catapult them to the grand final. If success comes, the team would travel to Accor Stadium in Sydney for the championship match on August 20 at 12:00, a fitting climax to a campaign built on resilience and teamwork.
How to watch on television remains clear for fans in the audience, with RTVE holding broadcasting rights for the 2023 World Cup hosted across Australia and New Zealand. Teledeporte will broadcast all tournament matches, with some available on free-to-air television and others on the online platform. Supporters across Spain can tune in to cheer the Reds as they chase their first global title, even as the schedule presents some early mornings and late nights in the calendar for those following from North America.
Within North America, followers in Canada and the United States can expect a robust broadcast plan from national networks and regional outlets, ensuring wide accessibility to every Spain fixture. The event represents not just a clash of styles and tactics but also a platform for emerging talents to showcase their abilities on one of football’s largest stages. The journey through group play and into the knockout rounds depends on a blend of strategic planning, on-field chemistry, and the ability to adapt to varied opponents and venues. The road to the final is long, but for Spain the objective remains clear: compete at the highest level, seize opportunities when they appear, and push toward a historic title that would resonate across continents. [citation: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 overview]