The Women’s World Cup begins on Friday June 7 and we are giving you a sneak preview! We all know the United States currently has the best soccer team in the world! It seemed like yesterday when Carli Lloyd scored that stunning hat-trick to clinch the last World Cup for the US team. Lloyd will be back with Alex Morgan and the rest of the star-studded United States team to defend its title but it will have to outplay and outwit the best women’s teams in the world.
Twenty-four countries are gathering in France to play at the world’s highest stage at this 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup with only one survivor lifting the trophy in the end. The eighth tournament of its kind will have a mix of team, from first timers such as Jamaica to the United States looking for their fourth star.
The World Cup kicks off on June 7 and game will be played in nine different host cities. The championship game will be played on July 7.
If you’re in Los Angeles this summer, sign up and watch the games at Evolve’s Soccer Camps!
Maybe one day you’ll be wearing your national teams colors!
The 2019 World Cup Favorites: Can the USA Repeat?
The favorites of this Women’s World Cup preview happen to be holding the top four spots in the FIFA Women’s rankings. The United States, Germany, France and England are expected to be the top performers this summer.
As defending champions, the United States are coming to France in search of a fourth win and a victory would name them the most successful in women’s soccer . They have previously won world titles in 1991, 1999 and the last world cup in 2015. The US squad has named their 23-player roster including stars like Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath and Carli Lloyd. Their roster consists of 12 veterans from 2015 while 11 players will be playing in their first World Cup.
The host of this year’s competition are looking to follow in the steps of their male counterparts and become world champions but this time on home soil. A victory by France would signify the country’s first major international trophy for the women’s side. The Les Bleus will be led by captain Amandine Henry as well as Eugénie Le Sommer and Wendie Renard.
The German National team are the only team next to the USA to have won multiple World Cup titles, winning in 2003 and 2007. The Germans have always been considered a threat during these major tournaments. The Germans are coming back stronger and more determined than ever, after losing to the USA in the semi-finals and losing to England in the third-place game in 2015. Germany was able to come back from the defeat and won gold at the 2016 Olympics. This year was the first time the Germans failed to qualify undefeated and losing their first qualifying game on home soil. Captain Dzsenifer Marozsán and Alexandra Popp, along with the rest of the German squad are coming to France with hope in winning their third title.
After winning the SheBelieves Cup earlier this year, England is coming to France with their country behind them. The Lionesses are hoping to bring football home this time after finishing in third during the 2015 World Cup. English players are looking to get revenge on Japan after losing to them in the semi-finals during the 90th minute in 2015. The lionesses have a mix of young and experienced player, while being led by captain Steph Houghton. Along with Houghton, stars Lucy Bronze, Fran Kirby and Jodie Taylor will assist the English team to their first World Cup win.
First Timers: Will there be a Cinderella Story?
Four teams will be making their World Cup debut this summer in France. Jamaica will be the first Caribbean team to have qualified for the tournament, after being unranked and unfunded for several years.
Another first timer is Scotland. Despite their lack of international success, Scotland is coming to the World Cup with nothing but an excited and passionate team for their debut. The Scots will have to work hard to advance out of a group stage with both England and Japan.
Chile will also be making their debut this summer. Although they finished as a runner up, Chile proved themselves last year during the Copa América Femenina. The Chileans are expected to struggle during the group stage, being ranked the lowest and facing the top team in the world.
South Africa has finally qualified for the World Cup after years of trying to make it to this major tournament. South Africa did make it to the 2016 Olympics but faced tough opponents, losing two games and tying one. The South African team qualified for the World Cup by getting second place in the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations. They will be challenged in their group as they play Germany, China PR and Spain.
Players to Watch
- Marta (Brazil)
– Just 2 goals will make her the highest scorer in World Cup history, men or women! - Alex Morgan (USA)
- Megan Rapinoe (USA)
- Christine Sinclair (Canada)
- Eugenie Le Sommer (France)
- Dzsenifer Marozsan (Germany)
- Amadine Henry (France)
- Lucy Bronze (England)
- Sam Kerr (Australia)
- Lieke Martens (Netherlands)
- Mana Iwabuchi (Japan)
- Daniëlle van de Donk (Netherlands)
Upcoming Stars
- Mal Pugh (USA)
- Rose Lavelle (USA)
- Lindsay Horan (USA)
- Nikita Parris (England)
- Almuth Schult (Germany)
The Group Brackets (and current world rankings)
Group A:
- France (4)
- Korea Republic (14)
- Norway (12)
- Nigeria (38)
Group B:
- Germany (2)
- China PR (16)
- Spain (13)
- South Africa (49)
Group C:
- Australia (6)
- Italy (15)
- Brazil (10)
- Jamaica (53)
Group D:
- England (3)
- Scotland (20)
- Argentina (37)
- Japan (7)
Group E:
- Canada (5)
- Cameroon (46)
- New Zealand (19)
- Netherlands (8)
Group F:
- USA (1)
- Thailand (34)
- Chile (39)
- Sweden (9)
See the FIFA “Meet the team” page to get more details on each team.
TV Schedule: When and Where to Watch
This year’s tournament will have the toughest competition that women’s soccer has seen. Games begin June 7, with the final being played a month later on July 7.
Evolve will be showing the World Cup games throughout the summer at our soccer camps. But if you can’t make it, all the games will be able to be streamed on FOX, Fox Sports 1, and Fox Sports 2. Make sure to tune in and watch the best of the best in women’s soccer. Keep your summer busy and cheer on your favorite team and make your predictions in our comments below for who will be named the best in the world.
Matches You Must See!
France vs. Korea Republic (Opening Game)
Friday, June 7 at 12:00 pm noon
Australia vs. Brazil
Thursday, June 13 at 12:00 pm noon
England vs. Japan
Wednesday, June 19 at 12:00 pm noon
Canada vs. Netherlands
Thursday, June 20 at 9:00 am
USA vs. Sweden
Thursday, June 20 at 12:00 am
Leave Your Predictions below!
Who do you think is going to be the next Word Cup champs
Our World Cup preview is just a start. Now it’s up to Alex Morgan and Company to help the US to soar through the tournament and win their fourth trophy, but it won’t be easy.
Let us know in the comments below who you think your top 4 teams will be!
And we can’t wait to see you at the Evolve Soccer Camps! Wear your favorite jersey!
