Beginning July 20th and running for one month, the Women’s World Cup is taking place in Australia and New Zealand and features 32 countries playing through 64 games vying to reach the final on August 20th, 2023 in Sydney. Held every four years, the event honors the best international women’s soccer teams in their respective regions of the world. The United States women are the two-time defending champions, having prevailed in France (2019) and in Canada (2015). They are favored to win once again, but will face mighty competition from strong teams out of England, France, Germany, and Brazil - plus many other teams fighting for the ultimate prize.
The tournament expanded from 16 countries in 2011, to 24 countries in 2015 and 2019, and further to the 32 representatives at this 2023 event. This expansion shows the growing interest and reach that women’s sports have in the world. Eight nations made their debuts over the first week, including teams from Morocco, the Philippines, Haiti, Panama, and Zambia (among other nations) that until recently had not been known for their soccer prowess.Though these teams face an uphill battle to get out of the first stage of the tournament, their participation will inspire future generations of players to keep striving for their dreams.
Mechanics' Institute has several soccer related movies and books to get you up and kicking for this worldwide event.
Bend it like Beckham (2003): Two young women defy their families, navigate personal relationships, and aim for careers in professional soccer.
Beyond bend it like Beckham: the global phenomenon of women's soccer / Timothy F. Grainey; foreword by Brittany Timko: Though this book is over 10 years old, this was one of the first in-depth global analyses of women’s soccer.
Gracie (2007): The only daughter of a soccer loving family fights to take her brother’s place on the varsity soccer team after his passing.
Rise & shine: the Jay DeMerit story (2012): Documentary about the rise of US soccer player Jay Demerit from obscurity in the lower levels of English soccer to a place on the 2010 US Men’s World Cup team.
One goal: a coach, a team, and the game that brought a divided town together: This book tells the inspiring story of a small, racially divided town and the Somali refugees that helped unite the community in their quest for a state championship.
