Market Research Record – The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) is set to kick off the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup against Vietnam, a debutant team in the tournament. The opening match will take place at Eden Park in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau, scheduled for Saturday, July 22, at 1 p.m. local time, which translates to 9 p.m. ET on July 21 for viewers in the United States. Fans can catch the action on FOX, Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock. It will be the first-ever encounter between the USA and Vietnam, with the USWNT facing an opponent from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in the opening game for the fifth consecutive World Cup.
USWNT Squad: A Mix of Veterans and Young Stars
The official roster for the USWNT in the Women’s World Cup was announced, comprising 23 players. The team consists of nine players who were part of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup championship squad and 14 players making their debut in the World Cup.
Match Preview: Last Time Out and Taking on Group E
In their most recent Send-Off match against Wales on July 9, the USWNT secured a 2-0 victory, with forward Trinity Rodman scoring her first career brace. Under the guidance of head coach Vlatko Andonovski, the USA boasts an impressive record of 50 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses in 61 games.
In the group stage, the USA will face World Cup debutants Vietnam and Portugal, along with the 2019 Women’s World Cup runners-up Netherlands. All Group E matches will be played in New Zealand, with the USA’s opening match against Vietnam on July 22 at Eden Park in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau.
Eden Park: A Familiar Venue for the USWNT
Eden Park, New Zealand’s National Stadium, will host the USA’s opening match against Vietnam. The venue already witnessed the USWNT’s victory against New Zealand in January 2023, where Rose Lavelle shined with two goals and an assist.
Key Player Milestones and Records
Megan Rapinoe is one cap away from reaching 200 international appearances, a feat accomplished by only 13 players in USWNT history. She also holds the 10th spot on the all-time scoring charts and is one of seven players to have scored 50+ goals and provided 50+ assists for the USWNT.
World Cup Format and USA’s Strong Opening Match Record
The Women’s World Cup format requires teams to play seven matches to win the tournament, with the top two from each group advancing to the Round of 16. The USA’s formidable history includes being unbeaten in their previous eight opening matches, with three consecutive victories.
In Focus: Vietnam
Vietnam, ranked 32nd in FIFA and 5th in AFC, will be making their first-ever appearance at the Women’s World Cup. The team secured qualification by winning the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Play-off, defeating Thailand and Chinese Taipei.
Conclusion
With the USWNT’s opening match against Vietnam set to be an exciting encounter, fans worldwide are eager to see the seasoned veterans and rising stars represent the USA in the quest for another World Cup title. The tournament promises to showcase thrilling football action and historic moments as teams compete on the global stage. Stay tuned and follow the journey of the USWNT in this prestigious tournament on FOX, Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock, as well as on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook