The World Cup Kickoff! ⚽️

07/19/2023 The World Cup Kickoff! ⚽️

By: Jeff Yoder

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Preview: Groups, Schedules, History, Favorites & More

Here. We. Go. A full month of soccer is about to kick off down under. A place we often associate with crocodiles, kangaroos, the wildlife of the outback, and beautiful scenery suddenly takes the sports spotlight for the next month. The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup begins tonight (tomorrow morning) in Australia and New Zealand. Nine cities will host games over the coming 30 days as 32 countries go boot-to-boot for the title of world champion. We have another fun time-zone challenge that we’ll attempt to maneuver with grace. Be prepared to watch tape delays or sacrifice sleep. Here’s everything you need to know before the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, starting with the nine host cities we’ll get a chance to see throughout the tournament.

 

World Cup Host Cities

Sydney (AUS)

Melbourne (AUS)

Brisbane (AUS)

Adelaide (AUS)

Perth (AUS)

Auckland (NZ)

Hamilton (NZ)

Wellington (NZ)

Dunedin (NZ)

 

Format: The first two weeks of the World Cup will put the 32 qualifying teams in eight groups of four for the Group Stage. Each team is guaranteed three group-stage matches in the first two weeks before the top two squads from each group advance to the Knockout Rounds in the final two weeks for a single-elimination bracket.

 

World Cup Groups

Group A: New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Switzerland

Group B: Australia, Canada, Nigeria, Ireland

Group C: Japan, Spain, Costa Rica, Zambia

Group D: China, England, Denmark, Haiti

Group E: United States, Netherlands, Portugal, Vietnam

Group F: Brazil, France, Jamaica, Panama

Group G: Argentina, Italy, Sweden, South Africa

Group H: Germany, South Korea, Colombia, Morocco

 

World Cup Knockout Round Schedule

Round of 16: August 5-8

Quarterfinals: August 11-12

Semifinals: August 15-16

Runner-Up: August 19

Finals: August 20

 

USWNT Rivalries: The United States and England are the major favorites in 2023, and there’s no love lost between the two rivals. If you remember four years ago, the USWNT knocked out England in the semifinals (2-1) when Alex Morgan broke the tie with the famous “sipping tea” celebration. It’s safe to say England fans won’t forget that one. The U.S. went on to beat the Netherlands in the finale (2-0), and that rematch will be on display in Match 2 of the group stage.

 

Group Stage Schedule for USWNT (Dates to Know)

USWNT vs. Vietnam (Fri. July 21, 9:00 pm ET)

USWNT vs. Netherlands (Wed. July 26, 9:00 pm ET)

USWNT vs. Portugal (Tues. Aug. 1, 3:00 am ET)

 

The Favorites: As we stated, the USWNT are the favorites, but Europe’s elite — England, Germany, Spain, France, Sweden, and the Netherlands — formulate the biggest challengers against a potential three-peat. Brazil, Canada, and Australia are also competitive, as well as Japan, China, and South Korea.

 

World Cup Favorites (Top-10)

United States (+225), England (+375), Germany (+650), Spain (+700), France (+800), Australia (+1200), Sweden (+1400), Netherlands (+1800), Canada (+2500), Brazil (+2500) | Full List of Odds

 

Past, Present & Future: The United States is aiming for its third consecutive World Cup crown and fifth overall. The USWNT has been the most successful nation in women’s soccer, claiming four of the eight editions of the women’s World Cup since it began in 1991. This year’s squad still has iconic veterans like Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Julie Ertz, but a youth movement should pave the way for fans to catch a glimpse of the star players in the next generation.

 

Women’s World Cup Winners (Runner-Up)

2019: USA (Netherlands)

2015: USA (Japan)

2011: Japan (USA)

2007: Germany (Brazil)

2003: Germany (Sweden)

1999: USA (China)

1995: Norway (Germany)

1991: USA (Norway)

 

Get ready for kickoff! Due to the time-zone challenge, we’ll provide World Cup match schedules 24 hours ahead of each set of games so you can know which nights to stay up late or record the match. The host kickoff matches begin tonight (tomorrow morning) with Australia and New Zealand opening the competition. Here we go!

 

Upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup Schedule

New Zealand vs. Norway (Thurs. 3:00 am ET)

Australia vs. Ireland (Thurs. 6:00 am ET)

 

World Cup Storylines

ESPN: 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Team-by-Team Preview

USA Today: USWNT’s Most Diverse Team Yet Enters World Cup Stronger Than Ever

CBS News: USWNT Soccer Players to Watch at the 2023 World Cup

SI: Australia & New Zealand Are Eager to Show a More Inclusive Version of Themselves at 2023 World Cup

 

Photo: Alex Grimm / Getty Images