Get ready for an extraordinary summer of sporting excellence that is about to reach new heights when the highly anticipated Women’s World Cup commences next week on the 20th of July.
Australia and New Zealand will serve as the splendid hosts for this remarkable tournament, which is set to surpass the electrifying excitement and captivating drama of last year’s Women’s Euros, where the indomitable Lionesses emerged victorious.
The realm of women’s football in the UK experienced an awe-inspiring surge last July when the exceptional leadership of Leah Williamson propelled England to a glorious triumph against Germany at the iconic Wembley Stadium, with a staggering 87,000 fervent fans in attendance.
Now, the question arises: Can the Lionesses propel themselves even further and etch their names in the annals of history by clinching the coveted Women’s World Cup title down under?
Undoubtedly, this will be no small feat, considering that the bookmakers currently favor the United States—the reigning champions—who have triumphed an astounding four times since the inception of the tournament in 1991.
Yet, formidable opponents such as Canada (Olympic champions), Germany (two-time winners), as well as Japan and Norway, who have tasted victory once before, cannot be dismissed. And let us not forget the mighty Australia, playing on their home turf, led by the exceptional Sam Kerr, the star striker from Chelsea, who FIFA has acclaimed as the world’s top-ranked female player.
However, underestimating the Lionesses would be a grave mistake. Many of the prominent figures who spearheaded their glorious conquest in the thrilling Euros last year, including the likes of Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh, and Georgia Stanway, will once again grace the pitch, guided by their esteemed coach Sarina Wiegman, who has been recognized as the FIFA Women’s Coach for 2022.
Now, let us delve into what every passionate football aficionado should be well-informed about when it comes to this momentous event.
Prepare to witness the grandest Women’s World Cup to date, with a staggering 32 teams vying for glory. Among them are the debutants—the Philippines, Morocco, Vietnam, Ireland, and Zambia—who are eager to make their mark on the global stage.
England’s inaugural match will be against Haiti in Brisbane on Saturday, the 22nd of July. Their remaining group-stage encounters are scheduled against Denmark on Friday, the 28th of July, and China on Tuesday, the 1st of August.
Mark your calendars for the ultimate showdown—the grand finale—taking place at the esteemed Stadium Australia in Sydney on the 20th of August, with an impressive capacity of 83,500 spectators.
FIFA proudly announces that it is well on its way to achieving a record-breaking 1.5 million tickets sold for this year’s tournament, a testament to the immense popularity and fervor surrounding the event.
In a remarkable feat, Brazil’s Marta, at the age of 37, will embark on her sixth Women’s World Cup campaign, a truly extraordinary accomplishment. However, even this remarkable achievement leaves her trailing behind her compatriot Miraildes Maciel Mota, affectionately known as ‘Formiga’. Formiga has not only graced seven World Cups but has also featured in seven Olympic Games, cementing her status as Brazil’s most-capped footballer. Curiously, the nickname “Formiga,” which means ‘ant’ in Portuguese, pays homage to her selfless and team-oriented playing style.
With the stage set for an unparalleled display of sporting prowess, this Women’s World Cup promises to be an unforgettable spectacle that will captivate audiences across the globe.
