Women's World Cup: As USWNT seeks third title in a row, here's how to watch, roster info
The World Cup is (almost) here, which means it's time to get familiar with the U.S. roster, the other teams that will contend for the title, how to watch and ... the weather?
Yes, it's true that all of these things are important as the American women seek their third consecutive World Cup, a feat that's never been accomplished by a men's or women's team from any country.
Perhaps most important is knowing where to go for all your USWNT information, and we've got you covered at USA TODAY Sports. Along with answers to FAQ below, we'll be publishing a live blog during the USWNT games and rolling out a daily newsletter full of any and all World Cup stories you could want. We encourage you to sign up.
The first game kicks off July 20, with co-hosts New Zealand playing Norway.
Don't miss the action: Watch the USWNT on Fubo
2023 World Cup Groups
The World Cup starts with Group play, with the top two seeds from each group advancing to the knockout round. The groups are as follows:
Group A: New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Switzerland
Group B: Australia, Canada, Nigeria, Rep. of Ireland
Group C: Costa Rica, Japan, Spain, Zambia
Group D: China, Denmark, England, Haiti
Group E: Netherlands, Portugal, United States, Vietnam
Group F: Brazil, France, Jamaica, Panama
Group G: Argentina, Italy, South Africa, Sweden
Group H: Colombia, Germany, Morocco, South Korea
When does the USWNT play?
The Americans are scheduled to play three group games on the following days and times:
Friday, July 21: USWNT vs. Vietnam, 9 p.m. ET
Wednesday, July 26: USWNT vs. Netherlands, 9 p.m. ET
Tuesday, Aug. 1: USWNT vs. Portugal, 3 a.m. ET
Who’s won the other women’s World Cup titles?
The 2023 World Cup marks just the ninth time the event has taken place. (The men's World Cup, meanwhile, has been played since 1930.) The U.S. is seeking to become the first team, men’s or women’s, to win three consecutive titles. Germany, which won in 2003 and 2007, had a chance to do that in 2011 but couldn’t pull it off. The U.S. has won more women's World Cup titles than any other country. Here’s a list of every women’s World Cup winner.
1991: United States
1995: Norway
1999: United States
2003: Germany
2007: Germany
2011: Japan
2015: United States
2019: United States
Who’s on the USWNT roster?
The 2023 World Cup roster is one of, if not the, most diverse in U.S. women's soccer history and this year marks a passing of the torch, as the new generation of soccer talent makes their World Cup debut and tries to continue the Americans' win streak. Of the 23-player roster, 14 will be playing in their first World Cup. The roster is a mix of old(er), young and new. You can learn more about each player for the U.S., as well as some of the standout international stars, at USA TODAY’s cast of World Cup characters page.
Goalkeepers: Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars); Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage); Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit).
Defenders: Alana Cook (OL Reign); Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns); Emily Fox (North Carolina Courage); Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave); Sofia Huerta (OL Reign); Kelley O'Hara (NJ/NY Gotham); Emily Sonnett (OL Reign).
Midfielders: Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville); Julie Ertz (Angel City); Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon); Rose Lavelle (OL Reign); Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham); Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit); Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit).
Forwards: Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave); Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign); Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit); Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns); Alyssa Thompson (Angel City); Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham).
Where is the 2023 World Cup being played?
For the first time in women’s World Cup history, the tournament will be hosted by two countries, Australia and New Zealand. (The 2022 men’s World Cup was hosted by Japan and South Korea and in 2026, it will be hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada.)
Many people associate Australia and New Zealand with surfing, sandy beaches and stunning swimming spots, all happening in sunny weather. But it’s winter in the southern hemisphere, which means temperatures will be anything but scorching.
When does the World Cup start?
The 2023 World Cup kicks off July 20, with co-host New Zealand playing Norway. Remember that Australia and New Zealand are one day ahead of the United States, and each feature multiple time zones. Don’t make yourself do the math, you’ll probably just wind up with a headache (and you might miss a game). Your best bet to figuring out what time it is where is to use the “world clock” feature on your smart phone.
How to watch
The entirety of the 2023 World Cup will be broadcast in the U.S. by Fox, on both its main channel and FS1. It’s also available to stream on FoxSports.com and the Fox Sports app.
Spanish-language coverage will be on Telemundo.
Where’s the next women’s World Cup?
Great question! The host for the 2027 World Cup has yet to be determined or announced. But the United States, which is seeing an explosion in women’s sports popularity and where the NWSL is rapidly expanding, is sure to be in the mix as a host.
Follow Lindsay Schnell on Twitter: @Lindsay_Schnell
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: World Cup 2023: How to watch USWNT go for third consecutive title
