The upcoming tournament next year will see European champions, England, competing in Group D against a playoff winner, Denmark, and China. In Group H, 2003 and 2007 World Cup winners, Germany, will face off against Morocco, Colombia, and South Korea. The tournament is scheduled to take place from July 20th to August 20th.
The United States, the reigning champions of the last two editions of the tournament, will be competing in all their Group E matches in New Zealand. They will first face Vietnam in Auckland on July 22, followed by an anticipated showdown against the Netherlands in Wellington five days later.
“We have been drawn into a challenging group,” stated U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski.
“I am looking forward to playing against the Dutch as it presents an exciting opportunity. This rematch of the last World Cup final, along with our previous quarter-final match in the Olympics, showcases two highly skilled teams competing against each other. Anticipating a thrilling game ahead.”
In Group G, Sweden, currently ranked second in the world, will be facing tough opponents such as South Africa, Italy, and Argentina. Meanwhile, in Group F, fifth-ranked France will be competing against Jamaica, Brazil, and a playoff winner. Lastly, Spain will be taking on Costa Rica, Zambia, and the 2011 winners, Japan, in Group C.
England will be headquartered in Australia for the opening round of the expanded 32-team tournament. They will commence their campaign on July 22 in Brisbane against the winner of a playoff.
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| Soccer Football – 2023 Women’s World Cup Draw – Aotea Centre, Auckland, New Zealand – October 22, 2022 General view of the stage during the draw. Photo: Reuters |
“I firmly believe that we have what it takes to progress from this group, given our current level of performance,” stated England manager Sarina Wiegman. “Failing to advance from this group would indicate a failure to reach our utmost potential.”
New Zealand will commence the inaugural World Cup to be hosted in the southern hemisphere by playing against former champions Norway in Auckland on July 20. The New Zealand team will also compete against the Philippines and Switzerland in Group A.
Australia’s co-hosts will commence their campaign on the same day at the esteemed Sydney Football Stadium. Their first match will be against Ireland, followed by games against Nigeria and Olympic champions Canada. These matches are scheduled in Group B.
“Ireland will present a formidable challenge in our opening game, but we are eagerly anticipating it. Nigeria boasts exceptional athletes, making it a formidable challenge,” stated Tony Gustavsson, the coach of Australia, in an interview with Optus Sport.
“Canada is a highly skilled team, currently holding the top ranking in our group and considered the frontrunners for victory. Despite losing both of our recent matches against them, we were able to gain valuable insights and knowledge.”
The 10-team inter-confederation playoffs will be held in New Zealand from February 18th to 23rd, [current year].
This highly anticipated event will feature teams from Portugal, Taiwan, Thailand, Cameroon, Senegal, Haiti, Panama, Chile, Paraguay, and Papua New Guinea, all vying for the remaining three spots in the upcoming finals.
