The United States women’s team has found out which teams it 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 along with the Netherlands and Vietnam. The fourth team in the group will be determined by a playoff between Portugal, Thailand and Cameroon.
Without a doubt, the toughest rival for the Americans will be the Netherlands. Led by captain Sherida Spitse, who has amassed more than 200 caps, the Dutch are a powerhouse in women’s football.
The Netherlands are currently ranked eighth according to FIFA and won the UEFA European Championship in 2017. While they are yet to win a Women’s World Cup trophy, they finished second behind the USWNT in 2019. Forward Vivianne Miedema is also a one of the most prolific players in the world as well. The 26-year-old striker currently has 95 goals in just 115 senior appearances for the team.
Vietnam, on the other hand, is making its first appearance at the Women’s World Cup. The Southeast Asian team is ranked 34th in the latest FIFA rankings. Vietnam ranked sixth in this year’s Asian Cup tournament, their best finish in the competition. Captain Huynh Nhu has an impressive 62 goals in 67 total games for the Golden Star Women Warriors.
A tiebreaker will determine which nation will complete the group. Cameroon faces Thailand on February 18 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 sit in 23rd position. Thailand is ranked 41st and Cameroon 58th in the world governing body’s rankings.
The USWNT will kick off their 2023 World Cup group stage against Vietnam on July 23 in Auckland. They then face their toughest opponent, the Netherlands, four days later, ending the group stage against one of the qualifiers on August 1.
