After a thrilling month of football that saw records shattered and underdogs triumph, the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup has concluded with Spain lifting the trophy for the first time. The tournament, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, was a celebration of the sport's growth, but it also left pundits and fans with a difficult task: selecting a team of the tournament from a field of exceptional individual talent.
Here at BBC Sport, our panel of experts has deliberated, debated, and finally settled on our definitive XI. This team isn't just a collection of the biggest names; it's a functional, balanced side shaped by the players who truly shone when the lights were brightest. So, without further ado, we present the BBC Sport Women's World Cup 2023 Team of the Tournament.
The Goalkeeper: Mary Earps (England)
In a tournament where goalkeeping was under the microscope like never before, Mary Earps stood head and shoulders above the rest. The England number one was a pillar of composure and defiance for the eventual runners-up. Her penalty save from Jenni Hermoso in the final was a monumental moment, but it was just one highlight in a campaign defined by crucial stops.
Earps didn't just make saves; she commanded her area, organized her defense, and exuded a confidence that spread throughout the entire England squad. Her performances earned her the tournament's Golden Glove award, a testament to her status as the world's best. As our analyst noted, "Earps wasn't just stopping shots; she was breaking spirits."
The Defensive Unit: A Blend of Steel and Skill
Constructing a backline was a challenge given the number of teams that impressed defensively, but four players consistently delivered world-class performances.
Right-Back: Ona Batlle (Spain)
The dynamic Barcelona full-back was the complete modern defender. Ona Batlle was relentless in her defensive duties, using her pace and intelligence to nullify opposition wingers, while also providing a constant, overlapping threat in the final third. Her energy and technical quality were fundamental to Spain's possession-based style.
Centre-Back: Amanda Ilestedt (Sweden)
Perhaps the most surprising name on this list, Amanda Ilestedt arrived in Australia as a solid defender but leaves as a bona fide goalscoring hero. The Arsenal new signing finished as Sweden's top scorer with four goals, all from set-pieces, demonstrating a remarkable aerial threat. Crucially, she was also part of a Swedish defense that was notoriously difficult to break down.
Centre-Back: Alex Greenwood (England)
While her defensive partner Millie Bright was a rock, Alex Greenwood’s distribution from the back was a key tactical weapon for England. Her range of passing, both long and short, helped the Lionesses bypass opposition presses and initiate attacks. She was also a defensive leader, making crucial blocks and clearances throughout the tournament.
Left-Back: Olga Carmona (Spain)
The Spanish captain wrote her name into footballing folklore with her match-winning goal in the final. But Olga Carmona’s inclusion is about more than that single moment. She was a consistent force on the left, providing width, delivering dangerous crosses, and showing immense mental fortitude to score the winner just days after learning of her father's passing.
The Midfield Maestros: Engine Room and Creativity
This is where games are won and lost, and our selected trio represents the perfect blend of defensive grit, tactical intelligence, and creative genius.
- Aitana Bonmatí (Spain): The Golden Ball winner was simply sublime.
- Keira Walsh (England): The metronome at the base of England's midfield.
- Hinata Miyazawa (Japan): The Golden Boot winner with five goals.
Aitana Bonmatí controlled games with an effortless elegance, dictating the tempo for Spain and providing killer passes in the final third. Her ability to glide past players and her relentless work rate made her the tournament's standout performer. As one pundit put it, "Watching Bonmatí is like watching a chess grandmaster at work."
Keira Walsh’s importance to England was never more evident than when she was injured during the group stage. Her return solidified the team, and her range of passing from deep was instrumental in launching England's attacks. She is the premier defensive midfielder in the women's game.
While Japan's journey ended in the quarter-finals, Hinata Miyazawa was a revelation. Her five goals and one assist showcased her incredible timing and finishing from midfield. Her intelligent movement and eye for goal were central to Japan's thrilling, attacking football that saw them dismantle Spain 4-0 in the group stage.
The Attacking Threat: Pace, Power, and Precision
Our front three is a nightmare for any defender, combining blistering pace, clinical finishing, and relentless pressing from the front.
Right Wing: Kadidiatou Diani (France)
After a slow team start, Kadidiatou Diani caught fire. She finished with four goals and was a constant menace with her powerful runs and aerial ability. Whether playing as a central striker or on the wing, her physicality and directness were a key component of France's attack.
Striker: Amanda Dlamini (Sweden)
While she didn't score in the knockout stages until the third-place match, Amanda Dlamini’s all-around game was exceptional. Her hold-up play, link-up, and movement created space for her teammates, particularly Ilestedt. She is the complete modern striker and a leader for the Swedish side.
Left Wing: Salma Paralluelo (Spain)
The Young Player of the Tournament was a game-changing super-sub and eventual starter. Salma Paralluelo’s explosive pace and fearless dribbling stretched defenses to their limit. Her crucial goals against the Netherlands and Sweden in the knockout stages were pivotal in Spain's path to the title.
Manager: Jorge Vilda (Spain)
Despite the off-field controversies that surrounded the Spanish camp, Jorge Vilda managed to navigate the turbulence and guide his talented squad to the ultimate prize. His tactical setup, which emphasized possession and technical superiority, proved successful, even if his man-management remains a topic of debate.
Conclusion: A Tournament of New Stars
This team reflects a World Cup that was both deeply competitive and a showcase for the sport's bright future. Established stars like Earps and Walsh confirmed their class, while a new generation, led by Bonmatí and Paralluelo, announced themselves on the global stage.
The debate over the best XI will rage on, and there were inevitably tough omissions. Players like Lindsey Horan (USA), Lauren Hemp (England), and Jill Roord (Netherlands) were all in contention. But the 11 players selected here, through their consistency, impact, and moments of brilliance, have earned their place in the BBC Sport Team of the Tournament.
As one final pundit remarked, "Selecting this team was a nightmare, but that in itself is a testament to the incredible quality and depth we witnessed over the past month. The women's game is in a spectacular place."