The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup: New favourites and shock exits

The two nations are hosting the FIFA World Cup, men's or women's, for the first time, and they have lived up to expectations.

There have been over 2 million tickets sold to date. And international viewing figures are hitting record numbers. In New Zealand, almost 40% of the general population tuned in to watch their team in the very first game.

After a mesmerising opening ceremony in Auckland, co-hosts New Zealand kicked off the tournament with a historic 1-0 win over Norway. At the same time, Australia completed a dream opening day for Oceania as they beat Ireland by the same scoreline.

The group stage was full of twists and turns. Previous cup winners Germany's elimination was a shock to many. As were favourites Brazil and Canada, who were also both knocked out. The biggest surprise of all was four-time champions and cup holders, the USA, who were beaten on penalties by Sweden in the first knockout round.

With Brazil and the USA gone, we bid farewell to two footballing icons. 2023 will likely be the last major tournament for Brazilian legend Marta Vieira da Silva and the USA's Meghan Rapinoe.

"They're giants of women's football," explained BBC Sport journalist Emma Sanders, "not just women's football, but football in general."

"Meghan Rapinoe is a former Ballon d'Or winner. She's won a World Cup title. She's won almost everything there is to win. So yes, she's been a phenomenal player and person on and off the pitch. She's left US soccer in a much better position than when she first started her career."

"Marta, on the other hand, has had an even bigger impact on global football. She may not have the same celebrity status as Rapinoe, but she's inspired so many girls and boys in Brazil and is one of the best players ever to