2024 Women’s World Cup hailed as most competitive
The 2023 Women’s World Cup, hosted by Australia and New Zealand, has been identified by FIFA as the most competitive iteration of the tournament to date. FIFA’s Technical Study Group, led by Arsène Wenger, observed a 9% decrease in goals per game and a 14% increase in clean sheets compared to previous tournaments. The analysis, which included technical, tactical, and physical aspects of the games, suggests that the expansion to 32 teams did not dilute the quality of play as some had feared. This development is significant for the future of women’s football, as it reflects the sport’s growing competitiveness and the success of FIFA’s efforts to develop the game globally.
The tournament saw a reduction in goals per game to 2.56, down from 2.81 in both 2015 and 2019, despite the addition of eight new teams and 12 more matches. The group stages were particularly competitive, with goals per game dropping by 12% since 2015. The number of 0-0 draws also increased, with ten in 2023 compared to just four in the previous two tournaments combined. These statistics underscore the effectiveness of defensive strategies and the improvement in goalkeeping standards across the teams.
The performance of young players was another highlight, with 42% of players under 21 representing new participants. Standout talents included Colombia’s Linda Caicedo (18) and Spain’s Salma Paralluelo (19), who had previously shone in the U-20 World Cup. The presence of these young players at the senior level indicates the positive impact of professional clubs and full-time academies on player development.
FIFA’s commitment to expanding the Women’s World Cup and investing in women’s football development has been validated by the competitive nature of the 2023 tournament. The data not only reflects the evolution of the game but also sets a benchmark for performance and development programs for FIFA’s member associations. The insights gained from this World Cup will likely influence coaching, technical analysis, and the overall approach to women’s football in the years to come.