The 2022 World Cup in Qatar stands as a controversial chapter, framed by concerns over human rights and questioned by some fans as a global spectacle. In 2023, the spotlight shifts seven months later to the ninth edition of the Women’s World Cup, a tournament that consistently claims rising importance on the world stage.
In Australia and New Zealand, the Women’s World Cup has surpassed expectations, delivering unprecedented audience numbers and marking a historic milestone for the sport. FC Barcelona set a record with 91,648 fans at Camp Nou, a triumph that echoed through the subsequent European Championship. The streets of England echoed with the familiar “Football is coming home” refrain as crowds filled iconic venues like Old Trafford and Wembley. An estimated 365 million people watched the action at home, while more than half a million attendees witnessed games live in stadiums. As one senior coach noted, the surge in spectators reflects a broader shift in how the game is played and perceived in England, signaling a stability in fan engagement that may endure for years to come.
England’s performance in international tournaments has often been a turning point in the history of women’s football. Canada’s early development, aided by improved facilities and professional structures in 2019, helped propel the sport to new heights before France provided additional logistical support and top-tier venues. The result was a global viewing figure reaching 1.12 billion across platforms, underscoring the growing appetite for women’s football and the importance of strong infrastructure and guarantees for teams and fans alike. A prominent coach noted that France demonstrated how essential robust logistics are to hosting matches of this scale, a standard that will be difficult to surpass anytime soon.
The World Cup in Australia and New Zealand faces a demanding path after France, aiming to deliver exceptional sport and exposure. The leadership group behind the tournament has emphasized sustained growth over five years and highlighted the professional progress of players, clubs, and federations. Today’s football environment shows players in better physical condition, with more rigorous preparation and support systems. Fiorentina star Vero Boquete underscored these developments and highlighted how the sport’s profile has risen across major markets.
FIFA’s ongoing goal is to align the women’s game more closely with the men’s in terms of operations and presence. For the first time, teams will work from dedicated bases and will participate with an expanded field of 32 nations, doubling the number from the inaugural edition. A coach observed that European time zones could influence media coverage, while travel logistics in Australia and New Zealand may restrict some teams from easily reaching venues, shaping overall tournament dynamics.
Spain’s squad dynamics under scrutiny
The Spanish national team is preparing for its third World Cup bid, facing a transition period marked by the absence of several key players who encountered tensions with the coaching staff. Negotiations are underway to reach an agreement that satisfies both sides, with decisions about player participation expected to be made on an individual basis. Vero Boquete, a Fiorentina player and commentator for EL PERIÓDICO, weighed in on the situation, noting that the team’s leadership and cohesion would be central to its performance.
At this moment, three captains—Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes, and Jenni Hermoso—are not confirmed for the squad, along with a group of 15 other internationals who communicated concerns to the federation. Boquete warned that losing even a portion of the team’s most skilled players could affect level, quality, and leadership, though she also emphasized the importance of achieving a balance that preserves international respect for the squad.
Boquete also commented on the broader trajectory of women’s football in Spain and the federation’s direction. She urged a clear, long-term national strategy with defined performance goals and a framework that ensures accountability at every level. The overarching message was that players and leadership must share a common ambition to sustain growth and deliver results on the world stage.
According to Boquete, Spain’s national team represents a group of world-class players whose presence has historically defined European champions. Yet, current results have not matched expectations, prompting discussions about coaching, infrastructure, and consistent support for the team. A veteran coach reflected that the squad has the talent to compete with the best, but achieving success will require unity, strategic planning, and reliable resources.
The legacy of the national program continues to hinge on leadership and cohesion. Seven years into the tenure of a head coach, the team remains unresolved about its path to triumphs in major tournaments. The sentiment expressed by Boquete is that Spain, with or without specific personalities, possesses the potential to compete for the World Cup, provided the group remains focused and aligned with a shared vision for the sport’s growth.
Overall, observers recognize a moment of transition for the Spanish side, where talent is abundant and expectations are high. The challenge is to translate potential into consistent performance, backed by strong logistics, investment, and a clear strategy that resonates with players, fans, and the global audience watching from North America to Europe.
Notes from various commentators illustrate a consensus: the evolution of women’s football calls for sustainable leadership, professional development, and a commitment to expanding the sport’s reach. With the 2023 Women’s World Cup in view, the game’s trajectory in Spain and around the world remains a live, evolving story, driven by players who push the boundaries of excellence and federations that pursue higher standards of competition and participation. At stake is not just glory, but a legacy that continues to redefine football for future generations. (citation: formal statements from coaches and players cited in coverage by major sports outlets)