Author: Izabella Kulczycka

izabellakulczycka2027@u.northwestern.edu

Every four years, the Women’s World Cup is held. In 2023, the tournament was hosted by Australia and New Zealand boasting a new expanded format. Many voiced concerns, predicting skewed and unfair results, but this World Cup holds testament to the contrary, with many beginning to voice a new saying: “The gap is closing.”

The 2023 Women’s World Cup was exciting and competitive. It was unpredictable. Games were closer than ever with many, in fact, decided in extra time. Most notably however, teams from all over the world were succeeding. There was the emergence of newcomers such as Colombia who scored thrilling goals and signs of progress worldwide. The US was no longer dominating as teams from all over the world were succeeding in outclassing their opponents.

Viewership was at its highest and fans all over the world enjoyed and celebrated this World Cup

FIFA ranks each team before the tournament’s first kick off indicating their favorites and who may most likely win and progress to the final. Based on previous international performances, these rankings can be controversial, but historically, these rankings have been largely correct as those who ranked higher progressed to the knockout stage, but 2023 was different. 

In 2023, the average FIFA rank for teams advancing to the knockout stage was 20.5, a vast increase from tournaments past. Lower ranked teams were beating teams ranked higher as competition was matched globally.

Historic powerhouses like the USWNT were no longer beating teams 13-0, as the average winning goal margin decreased from 2.81 to 2.56. This downward trend is seen historically as well.

With each new tournament, less goals are being scored. Teams’ defenses are becoming better and better. Competition is evening out as it becomes more and more difficult to score a goal.

There were also notable changes seen in the number of shots taken and goal conversion.

In 2023, teams were shooting, on average, less than in the 2019 World Cup. Shot accuracy slightly worsened, with the difference being marginal, while goal conversion improved. Certainly, the fact that teams were shooting less than years past is indicative of stronger defenses in the tournament, but it is interesting that despite lower shot accuracy, teams in 2023 were more successful at converting their shots into goals. This could be indicative of teams focusing more on the quality of their finishing rather than the quantity of shots taken or perhaps it points to how teams in 2023 were more clinical in their attacking play, capitalizing on fewer but better opportunities.

It is also worth noting the increase of strength in the game, particularly amongst goalkeepers.

Per FIFA, goalkeepers are throwing farther and with higher success rates as well. From 2019 to 2023, the average throw length increased from 16.8 to 18.8 meters, while throw completion improved from 93% to 97%. [4 – Data from FIFA] Goalkeepers are becoming more involved in the game and certainly exemplify the fact of the women’s game continuing to grow stronger and improve. While this does not get at tactical acumen, it would be interesting to do a future study on an increase in strength in women’s soccer with an emphasis on players’ speed, acceleration, deceleration, and shot power.  

As the data shows, the women’s game has made massive strides in the past few years. The gap is closing. Teams are performing better and better. Viewership, involvement, and excitement surrounding the women’s game is higher than ever and continuing to grow in combination with the women’s game. The future is bright, and it is exciting to see what comes next.

Sources:

1 – ESPN Average Ranking at Knockout Stats

2 – FIFA 2023 World Cup Fixtures Data, FIFA 2019 World Cup Fixtures Data, FIFA 2015 World Cup Fixtures Data, FIFA 2011 World Cup Fixtures Data, FIFA 2007 World Cup Fixtures Data, FIFA 2003 World Cup Fixtures Data, FIFA 1999 World Cup Fixtures Data, FIFA 1995 World Cup Fixtures Data, FIFA 1991 World Cup Fixtures Data

3 – FootyStats Shots Taken and Goal Conversion Data

4 – FIFA Goalkeeper Stats