Netball World Cup 2023 Teams: Complete Team Preview
The Netball World Cup 2023 brought together 16 national teams in Cape Town, South Africa, for one of the biggest events in international netball.
The tournament took place from 28 July to 6 August 2023 and marked the first time the Netball World Cup was hosted on the African continent.
South Africa qualified automatically as the host nation, while other teams secured their places through world rankings and regional qualification competitions.
How Did Teams Qualify for the Netball World Cup 2023?
Sixteen teams qualified for the competition.
- South Africa received automatic qualification as hosts.
- Five teams qualified through their World Netball rankings.
- Ten teams secured their places through regional qualification tournaments.
The competition featured the strongest national teams from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and Oceania.
Netball World Cup 2023 Teams
The 16 participating nations were:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- England
- Jamaica
- South Africa
- Malawi
- Uganda
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Barbados
- Fiji
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Tonga
Team Previews
1. South Africa – SPAR Proteas
South Africa hosted the 2023 tournament and qualified automatically.
The SPAR Proteas had previously finished fourth at the 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool.
Their highest historical finish was second place at the 1995 competition in Birmingham.
2. Australia – Diamonds
Australia entered the competition as one of the leading favourites.
The Diamonds had won 11 previous world championships before the 2023 tournament.
Their most recent championship victory before Cape Town came in 2015 in Sydney.
3. Barbados – Bajan Gems
Barbados brought considerable international experience to the competition.
The team first participated in the Netball World Cup in 1979 and achieved its best result in 1987, finishing equal sixth.
4. England – Vitality Roses
England entered the tournament with ambitions of winning its first Netball World Cup title.
The Vitality Roses had developed into one of the strongest teams in international netball.
5. Jamaica – Sunshine Girls
Jamaica's Sunshine Girls were another strong contender.
Known for their athleticism and physical defensive style, they were expected to challenge the leading teams.
6. New Zealand – Silver Ferns
New Zealand entered the tournament as defending champions after winning the 2019 edition.
The Silver Ferns have a long history of success and are among the most respected teams in international netball.
7. Malawi – The Queens
Malawi has established itself as one of Africa's strongest netball nations.
The Queens are recognised for their energetic playing style and ability to challenge higher-ranked opponents.
8. Uganda – She Cranes
Uganda represented East Africa and brought considerable talent to the tournament.
The She Cranes had continued to improve their international performances.
9. Scotland
Scotland qualified through the European qualification pathway.
The team aimed to make a strong impression against experienced international opponents.
10. Wales
Wales entered the tournament after securing qualification through regional competition.
The team continued to develop its international netball programme.
11. Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland represented Europe and looked to build on its international tournament experience.
12. Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago brought Caribbean netball experience to the World Cup.
13. Fiji
Fiji represented the Pacific region and continued its participation in international netball.
14. Singapore
Singapore represented Asia and aimed to compete strongly against the world's leading teams.
15. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka secured its qualification through the Asian netball pathway.
16. Tonga
Tonga completed the list of 16 participating nations, representing the Pacific region.
Netball World Cup 2023 Final Results
Australia won the championship after defeating England 61–45 in the final.
Jamaica defeated New Zealand to secure the bronze medal.
| Position | Team | Medal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | Gold |
| 2 | England | Silver |
| 3 | Jamaica | Bronze |
| 4 | New Zealand | Fourth |
Read the full match report: Australia Crowned Netball World Cup 2023 Champions.
South Africa's Historic Hosting Achievement
The 2023 tournament was an important milestone for African sport.
Hosting the competition provided South Africa with an opportunity to showcase its sporting facilities, welcome international visitors and promote netball across the continent.
It also helped increase awareness of African netball nations such as Uganda and Malawi.
Explore our Top 10 Netball Teams in Africa guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams played in the Netball World Cup 2023?
Sixteen national teams participated in the tournament.
Where was the 2023 Netball World Cup held?
It was held in Cape Town, South Africa.
Which team won the 2023 Netball World Cup?
Australia defeated England 61–45 in the final.
Who won the bronze medal?
Jamaica won the bronze medal after defeating New Zealand.
Final Thoughts
The Netball World Cup 2023 brought together 16 national teams for an exciting international competition.
Australia emerged as champions, England secured silver and Jamaica achieved an important bronze-medal finish.
The tournament also represented a significant moment for African netball and the global development of the sport.
