2023 Women's Finalissima: England v Brazil – Preview and how to watch live action from the first ultimate final at Wembley
Women’s EURO winners England will face Copa América Femenina champions Brazil in the inaugural Finalissima at Wembley on 6 April.
Football
For the first time, the champions of Europe and South America's premier international women's football tournaments will go head-to-head in a one-off clash.
London's Wembley Stadium will stage the first Women's Finalissima on 6 April with EURO 2022 heroes England hosting Copa América Femenina holders Brazil.
England won their first European Championship title last July 2022 after defeating Germany 2-1 at Wembley.
In the same month, Brazil secured their eighth South American title with a 1-0 win over tournament hosts Colombia in Bucaramanga.
It is set to be an exciting showdown just months before both teams go for glory at the FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the inaugural Women’s Finalissima between England and Brazil.
Finalissima 2023 England v Brazil: Head to head history
The two teams have met just three times in the past, all in the past five years.
All three have been decided by the odd goal with England winning two to Brazil's one.
Their first encounter was at Sheffield's Meadow Lane in October 2018 with a header from Fran Kirby in the second minute proving decisive.
That mirrored the clash between Great Britain and Brazil in the group stages at London 2012 with Steph Houghton also scoring in the second minute to clinch a 1-0 home win.
The sides met again in the 2019 edition of the SheBelievesCup when second-half goals from Ellen White and Beth Mead secured a 2-1 England win in Chester, Pennsylvania. Andressa had given Brazil the lead from the penalty spot.
Eight months later, Brazil finally recorded their first win over England at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough. Debinha scored twice after the break with Beth England pulling one back for the home team.
Finalissima 2023 England v Brazil: Preview
England are unbeaten since manager Sarina Wiegman took charge in September 2021.
That is a run of 29 games with the Lionesses winning February's Arnold Clark Cup in style, conceding just two goals in three victories out of three.
Also in February, Brazil made a promising start to this year's SheBelieves Cup as Debinha scored the only goal in the win over Japan. But they then went down 2-0 to Olympic champions Canada and 2-1 to reigning world champs USA.
The visitors were dealt a huge blow last week when their captain, six-time FIFA World Player of the Year Marta, suffered a torn anterior cruciate knee ligament (ACL) while playing for NWSL side Orlando Pride. The 37-year-old now faces a race against time to be fit for the World Cup.
In her absence, Brazil will look to Debinha and Rafaelle Souza who plays for Arsenal alongside England captain Leah Williamson.
England remain without EURO 2022 Golden Boot winner Beth Mead who, like Marta, is recovering from a ruptured ACL and is expected to miss the World Cup.
Mead’s continued absence, makes space for a player such as Lauren James to come in and make an impact. The 21-year-old impressed at the Arnold Clark Cup and will be eager to feature at the first-ever Finalissima.
When to watch Finalissima 2023 England v Brazil
The match kicks off at 19:45 BST (20:45 CET) on Thursday 6th April 2023.
Where to watch Finalissima 2023 England v Brazil – Full schedule
For those keen to watch at Wembley Stadium, tickets sold out rapidly and are no longer available to purchase.
However, UK-based fans can watch the fixture on ITV with live streaming on the ITVX app and website.