By Canadian Press

Women’s World Cup Guide: Results, schedule and how to watch

Aug 15, 2023 | 5:44 AM

The first finalist at the Women’s World Cup has been decided after Spain advanced with a 2-1 win over Sweden on Tuesday.

Australia plays England in the second semifinal on Wednesday.

This year’s World Cup will crown a first-time winner. The United States’ bid for a three-peat ended in a penalty shootout loss to Sweden in the round of 16. Norway, the 1995 champion, lost in the round of 16, 2011 champion Japan was knocked out by Sweden in the quarterfinals, and two-time champion Germany didn’t reach the knockout rounds.

Co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, the quadrennial tournament for international soccer’s most coveted trophy kicked off July 20 and has featured an expanded field of 32 teams, up from 24. There are 64 matches during the tournament.

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP RESULTS

Nanaimo Clippers lose two major players to Major Junior ranks

Knife-wielding man robs south Nanaimo liquor store

Clippers fall short hosting Bulldogs

Spain will play for its first Women’s World Cup championship after Olga Carmona’s goal in the 89th minute lifted La Roja to a 2-1 victory over Sweden in Auckland. Carmona’s goal capped a flurry of late scoring that saw Sweden tie the game, then Spain win it 90 seconds later. Salma Paralluelo scored in the 81st minute to break a scoreless tie. Rebecca Blomqvist tied it for Sweden in the 88th.

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP SCHEDULE

Australia plays England in Sydney at 8 p.m. local time (6 a.m. ET) on Wednesday.

The winners will meet in the final in Sydney on Aug. 20.

HOW TO WATCH THE FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

Fox holds the English-language media rights in the United States for the Women’s World Cup. Telemundo holds the Spanish-language rights.

Fox will broadcast a record 29 matches over the air on its main network and the rest of the games will be aired on FS1. All matches will be streamed on the Fox app.

FIFA struck a collective deal with the European Broadcasting Union in mid-June, ending a standoff with broadcasters in five major European television markets. The deal guarantees the games will air in France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Britain.

TOP STORIES

The tournament in Australia and New Zealand has leaned into including and showcasing the Indigenous cultures of both nations. This Women’s World Cup was the first hosted by two countries and FIFA worked with both to make sure the First Nations cultures were included. A panel of six Indigenous women from both nations advised soccer’s world governing body. But some Indigenous groups say they want a more lasting legacy.

Australia’s run to the semifinals and the expanded 32-team format have helped set records for attendance at the tournament. FIFA says 1.77 million tickets have been sold for the tournament being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, with a total 1,734,028 attendance for the first 60 games. The record match attendance for the 2023 edition is 75,784 for three games under a restricted capacity at Sydney’s Stadium Australia.

BETTING GUIDE

Spain is the favorite to win the title at -135, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. England is listed next at +155, followed by Australia at +430.

___

AP Women’s World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup

The Associated Press

by Canadian Press