The USWNT will need to start the FIFA World Cup 2023 with strong performances in the group stage.
The Gals will compete in the quadrennial event in 2023 against three strong countries, one of which is ranked among the top 10 worldwide women’s teams by FIFA.
The USWNT will not exactly have an easy time of it as injuries are starting to develop. Mallory Swanson, a young player who suffered a patella tendon tear in April, is unlikely to be ready for the games in July, and experienced defender Becky Sauerbrunn confirmed in June that she will be out due to a foot ailment.
The USWNT’s opponents in the 2023 World Cup group stage are Vietnam, the Netherlands, and Portugal. The USWNT’s schedule for the opening three group stage games is as follows:
- The USWNT will face Vietnam on Friday, July 21 at 9 p.m. ET.
- Next, they will play against the Netherlands on Wednesday, July 26 at 9 p.m. ET.
- Finally, they will compete against Portugal on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at 3 p.m. ET.
As of June 9, the FIFA women’s rankings for the USWNT’s opponents are as follows:
- Vietnam: Ranked 31st
- Netherlands: Ranked 9th
- Portugal: Ranked 21st
In terms of head-to-head records, the USWNT has not faced Vietnam before. However, against the Netherlands, they have a highly favorable record of 8 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in 10 matches, with their most recent meeting in July 2021. The USWNT has scored 31 goals while conceding only 8, resulting in a goal difference of +23.
Similarly, the USWNT has a perfect record against Portugal, winning all 10 of their previous encounters. Their last match took place in June 2021, with the USWNT scoring 39 goals and not allowing any goals from Portugal.
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