This year’s edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC) Co-hoasted by New Zealand and Australia was the largest yet, with the previous one having only 24 nations. From its kickoff on July 20 to the climatic final a month later, the quadrennial quest for glory brought together 32 nations to compete on the World’s biggest stage.

This year’s WWC will go down in history as a groundbreaking moment for women’s sports. The World Cup drew record attendance and viewership numbers. Crowds at stadiums surpassed 1.9 million, breaking the previous record of 1.3 Million.

The U.S. entered the tournament as the team to beat. Led by coach Vlatko Andonovski and World Cup veterans Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, there appeared to be no team more qualified to win gold.

It came as a surprise to everyone when underdogs Sweden knocked out the American team in a penalty shootout during the quarterfinals. This early exit marked the worst performance at a World Cup in U.S., women’s soccer history.

America’s subpar performance was one of the only disappointments at this year’s World Cup. Co-hosts Australia had their best-ever World Cup campaign, making it to the semifinals, where they lost to England in an epic penalty shootout. The Lionesses, as the British squad is called went on to face Spain in the final.

After 63 games, the momentous final provided a cinematic conclusion to this year’s World Cup. The Final match of the tournament was a thrilling, action-packed duel between two very competitive teams. The Spaniards emerged victorious as Olga Carmona scored the goal that earned Spain their first gold in the tournament’s history.

The increased public support and publicity show us just how far women’s sports have come. Breaking records and barriers, the 2023 Women’s World Cup paves the way for a future of endless possibilities for female athletes worldwide.