USWNT World Cup group stage opponents revealed

The United States women’s national team have found out which teams they will face in the group stage of the 2023 World Cup. During a draw on Saturday in Auckland, New Zealand, the USWNT was placed in Group E alongside Netherlands and Vietnam. The fourth team in the group will be determined by a playoff between Portugal, Thailand, and Cameroon.

Undoubtedly the toughest opponent for the Americans will be the Netherlands. Led by captain Sherida Spitse, who has collected over 200 caps, the Dutch are a powerhouse in women’s soccer.

The Netherlands are currently ranked eighth by FIFA and won the UEFA Euros in 2017. While they have not yet collected a Women’s World Cup trophy, they did finish second to the USWNT in 2019. Striker Vivianne Miedema is also one of the most prolific players in the world as well. The 26-year-old forward currently has 95 goals in just 115 senior appearances with the team.

USWNT World Cup group stage opponents a mix

Vietnam, on the other hand, is making their first ever Women’s World Cup appearance. The southeast Asia team is 34th in the latest FIFA rankings. Vietnam placed sixth in this year’s Asian Cup tournament, their best ever finish in the competition. Captain Huynh Nhu has an impressive 62 goals in 67 total games with the Golden Star Women Warriors.

A playoff will determine which nation will round out the group. Cameroon face Thailand on February 18th in New Zealand. The winner of that game will play Portugal four days later to advance to the World Cup group stage.

Portugal is currently the highest-ranked team of the trio, as they are in 23rd position. Thailand is 41st and Cameroon is 58th in the world governing body’s ranking.

The USWNT will start their 2023 World Cup group stage against Vietnam on July 23rd in Auckland. They then face their toughest opponents the Netherlands four days later, and finish the group stage against one of the qualifiers on the 1st of August.