It’s the women’s turn now. The next soccer world cup, the women’s edition, is scheduled for next summer in the northern hemisphere in Brazil. Just as Spain won the men’s trophy in the recently concluded tournament, the nation’s women were champions three years ago.
Currently the top-ranked women’s team in the world, Spain topped England 1-0 in the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Sydney. The squad was loaded with talent, including Ballon d’Or winners, Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, as well as rising star Salma Paralluelo.
In a televised interview following the men’s final, Spanish star Rodri congratulated Bonmati: “I’m trying to see if I can reach his level.”
Road to Brazil
Qualifying for the World Cup continues, with 14 teams already guaranteed a place to play. Brazil, who qualify directly as hosts, have never won a women’s tournament.
“Some time ago the opportunities for men and women were not equal. But that is changing. This World Cup has a lot of potential to make that change happen,” said former Brazil defender Aline Pellegrino, who is now the executive director of history and stakeholder affairs for the Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
“So there is great excitement and expectation that we will have a better environment in our stadiums.” (World governing body) Fifa, along with the federal government and host cities, have been working hard to ensure that we have full stadiums and that everything runs as efficiently as possible.
