Editor's note: FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ has come and gone — the last game was Aug. 20, 2023. KPBS will be covering the next World Cup in 2026.
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The controversy-laced tournament opened with Qatar getting outplayed and embarrassed in a 2-0 loss to Ecuador in front of 67,372 fans at Al Bayt Stadium. A host team had never lost its opening game in 92 years of soccer’s biggest event. -
The World Cup began in Qatar 12 years after the tiny gulf nation secured the rights. The moment was celebrated in a 30-minute, seven-act opening ceremony ahead of the match between Qatar and Ecuador. -
The presence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi shows how far Qatar has come since the boycott that saw its sole land border and air routes cut off for years as part of a political dispute. -
After Sunday's kickoff between Qatar and Ecuador, Monday's matches will consist of the United States against Wales, England versus Iran and the Netherlands facing Senegal. -
Ever since FIFA awarded the world's biggest sporting event to Qatar in 2010, the soccer tournament has been clouded by bribery, migrant deaths and questions about the country's human rights record.
There are a lot of “firsts” at this year’s Women’s World Cup. It’s the first time 32 nations will compete, several making their World Cup debut, and it’s the first time two countries will play host. Also, it’s the first year the United States women’s national team will play under new equal pay agreements. But also among the firsts are several familiarities. Brazil’s Marta returns to solidify her place as the all-time top scorer in the competition. The U.S. is defending its title (for the second time in a row). And soccer legend Megan Rapinoe is making her final world cup appearance.
Follow KPBS’ coverage of the biggest event in women’s sports.