FIFA Women's world cup 2023: Five key factors that you cannot miss
New Zealand and Australia. The tournament begins with the first match between New Zealand and Norway in Auckland on Thursday. With 32 teams playing 64 matches across venues in New Zealand and Australia from July 20 to August 20, this Women's World Cup is the biggest ever.
Here are some interesting storylines to watch out for as the tournament is set to begin on Thursday:Shifts Within U.S. Team The U.S. has experienced an intriguing pattern lately, winning the 2015 World Cup but missing out on Olympic medals in 2016 and securing a 2019 World Cup victory followed by a bronze at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. For this edition, the U.S. team is relatively less experienced internationally, with key veterans like Becky Sauerbrunn, Samantha Mewis, and Christen Press omitted due to injuries. They are placed in Group E, competing against Vietnam, the Netherlands, and Portugal, with all group-stage matches in New Zealand.
Veterans' ReturnThe U.S. team includes nine players from the 2019 championship team: Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Julie Ertz. Megan Rapinoe, 38, will retire after this World Cup, making it her fourth and final one after concluding the NWSL season. The squad also includes the youngest member, Alyssa Thompson, aged 18, and the second youngest, Trinity Rodman, aged 21. Alex Morgan, 34, and Lindsey Horan, 29, will serve as captains. US Fans Face Early Mornings and Winter Challenges During Women's World Cup Matches This is the first-ever time the tournament takes place in the southern hemisphere. While the US experiences scorching summers, matches will be played in chilly temperatures, with players expected to wear warmers, coats, and tights.
Eight Nations' Maiden Women's World Cup AppearanceEight teams will make
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