The men had their moment on the pitch in 2018, but now it’s time for the top women soccer players in the world to take the stage. In just one week, twenty-four of the best teams from around the globe travel to France to play for the most prestigious trophy in soccer. FIFA Women's World Cup 2019 is from June 7th - July 7th.
Courtesy of FIFA
The Contenders
Four years ago The United States beat Japan 5-2 in Vancouver, British Columbia to take the championship. Both teams are back this year and expected to be top contenders along with France, Germany, England, Australia, and The Netherlands.
The United States Women's National Team celebrates winning the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2015
But who doesn’t love an underdog story? Keep an eye out for some of the lower ranked teams like Argentina, Nigeria, South Africa, Jamaica, Cameroon, and Thailand. You never know what can happen at the World Cup!
The Breakdown
France and South Korea kick off the tournament on June 7th in the group play phase. The twenty-four teams are divided into six groups of four. Three games are played, one against each of their group opponents, and a point system is tallied. Three points for a win, one for a tie, and zero for a loss. The top sixteen teams across the groups then advance to the first knockout round.
FIFA World Cup 2019 beings with France vs. South Korea
From this point, it is single elimination. You win the match, you advance. You lose the match, you go home. If you are tied at the end of the ninety minutes of play (plus whatever extra time the referee adds for injuries and stoppage), the teams move into a shootout to determine the winner through penalty kicks.
The Key Players
The United States has several anchors returning to their roster in 2019. Midfielder and team captain Carli Lloyd, who scored a hat trick (that’s three goals in one game!) in the 2015 final is back for her fourth World Cup appearance along with fellow captain Forward Megan Rapinoe who is playing in her third cup. Tobin Heath and Alex Morgan are also top goal scorers making their third appearances, and keep an eye on midfielder Lindsey Horan who is making her World Cup debut.
United States' Carli Lloyd at the FIFA World Cup in 2015Courtesy of Getty Images
Playing Forward for Brazil, Marta may be a familiar name and face for international soccer fans. Canada’s Christine Sinclair has 181 international goals (and counting…) while South Korean Midfielder Ji So-Yun is the top goal scorer on her team. Defender Christine Manie of Cameroon solidified her team’s spot in this year’s tournament after a last minute goal in the CAF 2018 African Women’s Cup of Nations.
Lucy Bronze of England battles with Christine Sinclair of Canada during the International FriendlyCourtesy of Getty Images
Other players to watch include Forward Kanjana Sungngoen of Thailand, Argentinian Forward Sole James, and Australia’s team captain Sam Kerr. Who are your favorite players? Let us know who you are excited to cheer on in the comments!
Thailand women's national football teamCourtesy of Getty Images
How To Watch
You can watch broadcasts in English on FOX, F1, and F2 and Spanish broadcasts will be on Telemundo and Universo. If you are looking for a stream of the tournament, fuboTV offers a free trial.
FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 trophyCourtesy of Getty Images
Share Your Thoughts
What team are you supporting? Who are your favorite players? Let us know in the comments!
