As the dust settles on the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, it’s time to reflect on an extraordinary month of soccer that ended with Spain’s thrilling victory over England. The tournament, hosted across nine cities in Australia and New Zealand, not only brought joy and excitement but also shattered records and expectations.
Record-Breaking Attendance and Engagement
The World Cup saw almost 2 million fans attending the 64 matches, surpassing FIFA’s projected estimation by a staggering 500,000. An astounding 75,784 fans witnessed Spain defeat England 1-0 in the final, a match that concluded a month filled with surprises and passion.
Social media exploded with 27,000 posts per minute during the Final, with over half a million unique authors engaging on platforms during the match. In the U.S., the match between the USWNT and the Netherlands drew the LARGEST EVER TV and digital audience for a FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage match, reaching an average audience of 7.94 million viewers.
These figures are not just numbers; they symbolize the burgeoning global interest and investment in women’s soccer.
Building a Legacy
The 2023 tournament made history by breaking even for the first time, generating $570 million. This financial success stands as a testament to the growing commercial appeal of women’s football, demonstrating the viability and sustainability of the women’s game.
Such a landmark also aligns with USL’s commitment to promoting soccer at all levels. The dedication shown by the league to grow and foster both men’s and women’s soccer echoes the momentum gathered by this World Cup. The passion, skill, and community demonstrated during the tournament are values shared and pursued by USL across various initiatives and projects.
Making History on and off the Pitch
The tournament was filled with historical moments, from the largest TV audiences to the first American refereeing a FIFA women’s world cup final. Tori Penso, alongside Brooke Mayo, Kathryn Nesbitt, and Armando Villarreal, carried the American flag as they officiated the final match.
And let’s not forget the extraordinary moments of skill and athleticism that grabbed headlines, from Katie McCabe’s corner kick goal to the agonizing 20 penalties that saw Australia defeating France.
The global growth and advancement of women’s soccer are also evident in the tighter, more competitive play seen on the pitch. The recent tournaments have shown that the game is more evenly matched than ever before, a testament to its burgeoning popularity and increasing quality around the world.
Connecting Parallels with USL’s Mission
The success, growth, and inclusivity displayed at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup resonate with USL Arkansas’s commitment to connecting communities and making a lasting impact. Our belief in the unifying power of soccer and our dedication to nurturing the sport across genders and ages find reflection in the landmark achievements of this World Cup.
The faces of joy, the cheers of the crowds, and the displays of skill and courage on the field are all echoes of what we aspire to bring to Northwest Arkansas.
As we celebrate Spain’s victory, we also celebrate the victory of women’s soccer, the growth of the sport, and the breaking down of barriers. The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has set new standards and expectations, and we, at USL Arkansas, are excited to carry forward this momentum, passion, and commitment to the game we all love.
Join us as we continue to build and shape the future of soccer in our region, inspired by the heroes, stories, and lessons of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.