The first Women's World Cup semifinal will see an all-European affair, as Spain and Sweden lock horns in Auckland.
Spain have overcome a shock 4-0 defeat to Japan in the group stages to qualify for the semifinals for the first time, as they smashed Switzerland 5-1 in the Round of 16, before a more tight and tense extra-time 2-1 win over the Netherlands.
Sweden, meanwhile, remain undefeated at the tournament, and have eliminated two former champions to make it this far – after they ended the USA's reign with a thrilling penalty shootout victory before surprising the impressive Japan in the quarterfinals with a 2-1 victory.
Sweden haven't made the final for 20 years, and they will feel they have a golden opportunity to end that run against an exciting but potentially vulnerable Spain.
MORE: All the details about the World Cup semifinals
What time is Spain vs Sweden kickoff?
The first semifinal will begin at 8:00 p.m. local time at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
Here is how that corresponds with regions around the world:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA | Tue, August 15 | 4:00 a.m. ET |
| Canada | Tue, August 15 | 4:00 a.m. ET |
| UK | Tue, August 15 | 9:00 a.m. BST |
| Australia | Tue, August 15 | 6:00 p.m. AEST |
| India | Tue, August 15 | 1:30 p.m. IST |
| Hong Kong | Tue, August 15 | 4:00 p.m. HKT |
| Malaysia | Tue, August 15 | 4:00 p.m. MYT |
| Singapore | Tue, August 15 | 4:00 p.m. SGT |
| New Zealand | Tue, August 15 | 8:00 p.m. NZT |
MORE: Watch the Women's World Cup in USA live on Fubo
Spain vs Sweden live stream, TV channel
Fans around the world will be able to watch the Spain vs Sweden match, with the semifinal being available to watch on both TV as well as online live streaming options.
| TV channel | Streaming | |
| USA | FOX | Fubo, Fox Sports site/app, Peacock, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo (Spanish) |
| UK | BBC One, RTE 2 | BBC iPlayer, RTE Player, BBC Sport Web |
| Australia | Optus Sport, Channel Seven | Optus Sport, 7Plus |
| Canada | TSN1, TSN 4, TSN 5, RDS, CTV | TSN+, RDS app, CTV App, Noovo |
| India | DD Sports | FanCode |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport 1 NZ, Prime TV | Sky Sport NOW, Prime TV |
| Singapore | FIFA WWC CH01 | meWATCH |
| Hong Kong | Now Sports Prime | Now Player |
| Malaysia | — | FIFA+ |
Fans in select regions of the world can stream the Women's World Cup live on FIFA+, including in Japan, Brazil, Indonesia and Thailand.
MORE: World Cup attendance tracker
Spain vs Sweden lineups, team news
After their humbling defeat to Japan in the group stages Jorge Vilda showed no mercy as he dropped a host of players from the starting lineup, including goalkeeper Maria Rodriguez, captain Ivana Andres and two time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas.
But Barcelona superstar Putellas returns here, allowing Jennifer Hermoso to revert to a central attacking role
Esther Gonzalez will most likely lead the line as captain once again. Salma Paralluelo may have played herself back into the starting lineup after scoring the winning goal against the Netherlands from the bench.
Spain starting lineup (4-3-3): 23. Cata Coll (GK) — 2. Ona Batlle, 4. Irene Paredes, 14. Laia Codina, 19. Olga Carmona — 6. Aitana Bonmati, 3. Teresa Abelleira, 11. Alexia Putellas — 8. Mariona Caldentey 10. Jennifer Hermoso 17. Alba Redondo
Unlike their opponents, Sweden have kept a settled lineup throughout the tournament, and are unchanged for the semifinal.
Zecira Musovic will need to have another strong game in goal against a Spain attack capable of quickly overwhelming their opponents, but they have only conceded two goals all tournament, which is a testament to their defensive unit as a whole.
Amanda Ilestadt, part of the solid defence, has made headlines at the other end of the pitch, with the centre-back scoring an incredible four goals at the tournament, making her the equal second-best scorer at the tournament and also highlighting Sweden's threat from set pieces.
Fridolona Rolfo and Stina Blackstenius start in attack once again and will look to get at Spain's defence which has shown vulnerability to the counter-attack.
Sweden starting lineup (4-2-3-1): 1. Zecira Musovic (GK) — 2. Jonna Andersson, 13. Amanda Ilestedt, 6. Magdalena Eriksson, 14. Nathalie Bjorn — 16. Filipp Angeldal, 23. Elin Rubensson — 19. Johanna Kaneryd, 9. Kosovare Asllani, 18. Fridolina Rolfo — 11. Stina Blackstenius
Spain vs Sweden betting odds
It is set to be a tight contest in Auckland, like many semifinals, and there is a good chance Spain will be forced to go the distance in extra-time once again.
The bookmakers believe they will be able to make their first ever World Cup final, though, in what is picked to be a low scoring encounter.
| Spain win (90 mins) | Draw (90 mins) | Sweden win (90 mins) | Both teams to score Y / N | Over / Under 2.5 goals | Spain advance | Sweden advance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM (USA) | +100 | +230 | +270 | +100 / -143 | +120 / -172 | — | — |
| Sports Interaction (Canada) | 2.00 | 3.25 | 3.45 | 1.95 / 1.67 | 2.24 / 1.58 | 1.53 | 2.35 |
| Top Betting Sites (UK) | 1/1 | 9/4 | 5/2 | 21/20, 3/4 | 13/10, 8/13 | 8/15 | 29/20 |
| Unibet (Australia) | 2.05 | 3.35 | 3.75 | 1.97 / 1.80 | 2.20 / 1.64 | 1.45 | 2.55 |
| Dafabet (India) | 1.96 | 3.00 | 3.61 | 1.53 | 2.35 | 1.53 | 2.35 |
Odds correct as of August 12
