MIAMI, Florida – The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup won the heart of football fans around the world, not just in Australia and New Zealand. Throughout the month, there were a lot of great moments, with Concacaf teams and players taking part in some of the most important.

Panama’s Marta Cox scores breathtaking golazo

After surprising the world with their game in the Interfederation playoffs, Panama played their first Women’s World Cup and captain Marta Cox stunned everyone in their last game of the group stage, scoring a 35-yard free kick to put themselves ahead of France. It was one of the most iconic goals of the tournament and was also the first one for the Canaleras at a FWWC.

 

Jamaica add another chapter to Caribbean history

The Reggae Girlz became the first Caribbean nation to qualify to a FWWC in 2019. This time around at Australia/New Zealand 2023, they added another chapter to their history, winning their first match against Panama and then qualifying to the Round of 16, becoming, once again, the first Caribbean nation to reach this stage in either a Men’s or Women’s Senior World Cup. Jamaica also registered three clean sheets in their three group stage matches.

 

Haiti become second Caribbean nation in a Women’s World Cup

Another stepping stone for Caribbean women’s football happened in this FWWC thanks to Haiti, who played their first major international tournament in Australia, going head-to-head with the rest of a group that included runner-ups England, China and Denmark, showing the world their talent on the field.

 

USA GK Naeher achieves unique feat

After being a key player in goal for the United States in the group stage, two-time World Champion Alyssa Naeher became the first goalkeeper to take and convert a penalty in a men's or women's World Cup shootout, when she converted her spot kick against Sweden in the Round of 16.

Penso makes history Concacaf refereeing history in Final

After her performances through the previous stages, United States referee Tori Penso became the first Concacaf referee to serve as referee in a Women’s World Cup Final, being on the whistle for Sunday’s Final between England and Spain. Penso became the first official from the United States to referee the biggest game in football, men’s or women’s. She also became the first official to referee both a Semifinal as well as the Final in the same World Cup since 1934.