2023 Women’s World Cup Teams

The Women’s Football World Cup kicks off in Australia and New Zealand on 20th July 2023 with an expanded 32-team format since its last iteration in 2019. Find out who’s taking part and the key stories heading into the tournament

New format, new teams

The expansion of the Women’s World Cup in 2023 means that there will now be 32 teams competing for one of the biggest prizes in the ever-growing women’s game. Among the teams that have travelled Down Under to Australia and New Zealand for the tournament, the usual powerhouse nations of England, France, USA, and Germany will be joined by the likes of relative newcomers Philippines, Vietnam, Panama, and Haiti.

From the 20th July, all 32 teams will play out the new expanded group stage of the tournament. The hosting Football Ferns will face Norway in the opener, before Australia face Ireland in the follow-up. The group stage sees all the teams split into eight groups of four, with each side playing three games. The top two of each group will progress to the latter stages of the tournament.

Group A

New Zealand

This will be the sixth World Cup appearance for the Football Ferns, having qualified automatically for the competition as co-hosts. Ranked 26th in the FIFA world rankings, they are led by Czech coach Jitka Klimková and will be captained by former Chelsea and current Angel City defender Ali Riley.

Norway

The Gresshoppene are one of the most successful women’s international teams, having previously won the World Cup, the Olympics, and the Euros. Whilst they have not replicated that success in recent years, Norway are hoping to bounce back Down Under with the help of star Lyon striker Ada Hegerberg, who has scored 235 goals over 209 appearances for Les Gones in club competition. They are captained by Chelsea midfielder / defender Maren Mjelde.

Switzerland

Currently ranked 20th in the FIFA world rankings, Switzerland have made two appearances in the World Cup since qualifying and will host the next Women’s EURO championship in 2025. They are managed by former German striker Inka Grings and are captained by current Arsenal midfielder Lia Wälti.

Philippines

This will be the first appearance at the Women’s World Cup for the Filipinas, who will be the major Group A underdogs. Currently ranked 46th in the FIFA world rankings, the team managed by Australian coach Alen Stajcic qualified for the World Cup by advancing to the semi-finals of the Asian Cup.

Group B

Australia

The Matildas have been spurred by a growing interest in women’s football, culminating in the co-hosting of the 2023 edition of the Women’s World Cup. Chelsea striker and superstar Sam Kerr captains the side managed by Swedish manager Tony Gustavsson. This will be the eighth appearance for Australia and the Women’s World Cup, who reached the quarter finals in 2007, 2011, and 2015.

Ireland

The Republic of Ireland’s Girls in Green will be making their first appearance at the Women’s World Cup after winning a play-off final against Scotland 1-0 at Hampden Park. Managed by Dutch coach Vera Pauw, the Irish are captained by Arsenal midfielder Katie McCabe and are currently ranked 22nd in the FIFA world rankings.

Canada

A prominent side in the Women’s World Cup with eight appearances, the Canadians struck gold at the 2020 Olympics and are hoping to follow-up with a strong World Cup performance. They are also two-time CONCACAF Women’s Championship winners and are captained by enigmatic Portland Thorns forward Christine Sinclair, who is the country’s top scorer with 190 goals.

Nigeria

The Super Falcons make their ninth appearance at the World Cup, having found relative success in the competition in 1999 by reaching the quarter final. They are however now ranked 40th in the FIFA world rankings, but are serial winners of the Women’s Africa Cup of nations. American coach Randy Waldrum is hoping to translate these continental performances to the world stage.

Group C

Spain

La Roja are one of the favourites for the competition, with this being their third appearance at the Women’s World Cup. Whilst their achievements have been modest at senior level, they have broken into the top 10 of the FIFA world rankings. Former Ballon D’Or winner, Alexia Putellas, and national top scorer Jennifer Hermoso return to the squad to try and make use of their “golden generation” status after a lacklustre Euro 2022.

Costa Rica

Las Ticas will be making their second appearance at the Women’s World Cup, having reached the Group stage in the 2019 edition of the tournament. Managed by native Costa Rican, Amelia Valverde, the South American side are hoping to build on relative success in continental competition. They are captained by former PSG midfielder Shirley Cruz.

Zambia

Zambia are the first landlocked nation in Africa to qualify for a senior World Cup, and make their debut Down Under this July. Whilst they are ranked 77th in the world FIFA rankings, the Copper Queens managed a respectable 9th place finish in the 2020 summer Olympics. They are captained by Africa’s all-time top scorer in Olympic history, Barbra Banda.

Japan

Currently ranked 11th in the FIFA world rankings, Japan were World Cup champions in 2011 and won the Asian cup on two occasions since. This will be Nadeshiko’s ninth appearance at the World Cup led by captain Saki Kumagai, with top scorer Homare Sawa joining the squad Down Under.

Group D

England

After winning the 2022 Women’s Euro Championship and the first-ever Women’s Finalissina, expectations will be high for England’s Lionesses at the 2023 World Cup. This will be their sixth appearance at the World Cup, having reached third place in their best performance in the same competition in 2015. Sarina Weigman stays in charge of the side captained by Leah Williamson, who will be out of action this summer with an ACL injury. Chelsea defender Millie Bright meanwhile takes the interim captaincy.

Haiti

This is the first appearance for Haiti at the World Cup, being one of the top women’s teams in the Caribbean region along with Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago. Les Grenadières are currently ranked 53rd in the FIFA world rankings.

Denmark

De rød-hvide (The Red and White) will make their 5th appearance at the Women’s World Cup and are currently ranked 13th in the FIFA world rankings. Their best performance in this tournament came in 1991 and 1995 when the Danes reached the quarter finals of the competition. They are captained by Bayern Munich midfielder Pernille Harder.

China

The Steel Roses had some strong beginnings as a female footballing nation, winning the Asian Cup on eight occasions and managing to reach the final in 1999 against the USA. They are currently ranked 14th in the FIFA world rankings and are managed by Shui Qingxia, and captained by Wu Haiyan.

Group E

United States

The reigning champions of the Women’s World Cup, the United States team is a force to be reckoned with. Known for their physicality and attacking prowess, the USA consistently performs at the highest level. Led by their inspirational captain, Megan Rapinoe, they boast a squad full of exceptional talent, including Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath, and Rose Lavelle. With their rich history of success in women’s soccer, the USA enters the tournament as one of the favorites and will be aiming to defend their title.

Vietnam

Vietnam’s women’s team has been steadily improving in recent years, establishing themselves as a competitive force in Asian football. Although they may be considered underdogs in the Women’s World Cup, Vietnam’s team spirit and tactical discipline make them a formidable opponent. Their captain, Huynh Nhu, leads by example, while talented players like Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung and Nguyen Thi Lieu add flair to their attacking game. Vietnam’s participation in the tournament marks a significant milestone for their growing women’s football program.

Netherlands

The Netherlands women’s national team has emerged as a prominent force in international football in recent years. Led by their skilled captain, Sari van Veenendaal, they possess a blend of technical ability and tactical intelligence. The Dutch team showcases players like Vivianne Miedema, one of the world’s top strikers, and Lieke Martens, known for her creativity and flair. After winning the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017, the Netherlands will be looking to make their mark in the Women’s World Cup and challenge for the title.

Portugal

Portugal’s women’s team has made significant strides in recent times, propelled by a growing interest in women’s football. Led by their captain, Cláudia Neto, Portugal boasts a talented squad with players like Ana Borges and Carolina Mendes. While they may not have a long history of success in major tournaments, Portugal’s technical ability and tactical discipline make them a team to watch out for. Participating in the Women’s World Cup provides them with a valuable opportunity to continue their upward trajectory on the international stage.

Group F

France

As the host nation of the previous Women’s World Cup, France showcased their prowess on home soil and reached the quarterfinals. Known for their stylish and attacking style of play, the French team possesses a wealth of talent, including captain Wendie Renard, a dominant presence in defence, and Eugénie Le Sommer, an accomplished goalscorer. France’s rich history in women’s football, coupled with their passionate home support, makes them strong contenders for success in the tournament and a team capable of thrilling performances.

Jamaica

Jamaica’s women’s team, popularly known as the “Reggae Girlz,” made history by qualifying for their first-ever Women’s World Cup in 2019. Their captain, Konya Plummer, leads a determined squad filled with players of Jamaican heritage from around the world. While their participation in the tournament represents a significant milestone, Jamaica faces stiff competition. Nonetheless, their vibrant spirit and desire to make an impact will make them an exciting team to watch, with players like Khadija Shaw, a dynamic forward, capable of creating magic on the pitch.

Brazil

Brazil’s women’s team, known as the “Seleção Feminina,” has long been a powerhouse in women’s football. Led by their experienced captain, Marta, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest female players of all time, Brazil possesses a blend of skill, flair, and creativity. Players like Cristiane and Formiga bring vast experience to the team, while rising stars like Debinha add youthful energy. With their illustrious history and reputation, Brazil is perennially considered a strong contender for the Women’s World Cup title.

Panama

Panama’s women’s team has been steadily growing in recent years, making significant progress on the international stage. While they may be considered underdogs in the Women’s World Cup, their passion and determination are their biggest assets. Led by their captain, Natalia Mills, Panama possesses players like Lineth Cedeño, a talented forward, who can provide a spark in their attacking play. Their participation in the tournament marks a significant achievement for women’s football in Panama, and they will aim to make a lasting impression.

Group G

Sweden

Sweden’s women’s team has a rich history in women’s football and consistently performs at a high level. Led by their captain, Caroline Seger, they are known for their strong teamwork and tactical discipline. Sweden boasts exceptional players like Stina Blackstenius, a clinical striker, and Kosovare Asllani, a skillful playmaker. With their experience and competitiveness, Sweden will be aiming to challenge for the Women’s World Cup title and build on their successes in previous tournaments.

South Africa

South Africa’s women’s team, known as Banyana Banyana, has been steadily improving and making a name for themselves in African football. While they may face tough competition in the Women’s World Cup, their captain, Janine van Wyk, provides leadership and stability at the back. South Africa’s team features players like Thembi Kgatlana, a dynamic forward, who can be a threat to any defense. Participating in the tournament offers South Africa an invaluable opportunity to gain further exposure and continue their development as a footballing nation.

Italy

Italy’s women’s team has been on an upward trajectory, impressing with their performances in recent years. Led by their captain, Sara Gama, Italy possesses a squad with a solid defense and tactical discipline. Key players like Barbara Bonansea, a versatile forward, and Cristiana Girelli, a prolific goalscorer, provide attacking threat. Italy’s participation in the Women’s World Cup represents their growing presence in international women’s football and their ambition to compete against the world’s best.

Argentina

Argentina’s women’s team has made strides in recent years, earning qualification for the Women’s World Cup after a long absence. Led by their captain, Estefanía Banini, Argentina showcases a resilient and hardworking squad. Key players like Soledad Jaimes, a powerful striker, and Vanina Correa, an experienced goalkeeper, provide strength in both attack and defense. Argentina’s return to the tournament signifies their commitment to women’s football and their determination to make their mark on the global stage.

Group H

Germany

Germany’s women’s team, the “Nationalelf,” is renowned for their success and dominance in international women’s football. With a rich history, Germany has won the Women’s World Cup twice and consistently performs at a high level. Led by their captain, Alexandra Popp, Germany boasts exceptional talent like Dzsenifer Marozsán, a creative midfielder, and Sara Däbritz, a versatile player. As one of the tournament favorites, Germany will be aiming to add another World Cup trophy to their collection.

Morocco

Morocco’s women’s team has been making strides in recent years, seeking to establish a stronger presence in African women’s football. While they face formidable competition in the Women’s World Cup, Morocco’s captain, Ghizlane Chebbak, provides leadership and stability. Players like Ibtissam Jraidi, a skillful midfielder, and Nouhaila Ghouti, a promising young talent, showcase the potential of Moroccan women’s football. Participating in the tournament is a significant milestone for the development of women’s football in Morocco.

Colombia

Colombia’s women’s team has shown promise in recent years, consistently featuring in international competitions. Led by their captain, Isabella Echeverri, Colombia possesses players like Catalina Usme, a prolific goalscorer, and Daniela Montoya, a dynamic midfielder. While they may face tough competition in the Women’s World Cup, Colombia’s attacking style and technical ability make them a team to watch out for. Their participation in the tournament signifies their continued progress and ambition to compete at the highest level.

South Korea

South Korea’s women’s team has been a consistent presence in international women’s football, showcasing their technical ability and tactical discipline. Led by their captain, Cho So-hyun, they possess players like Ji So-yun, a creative playmaker, and Lee Geum-min, a skillful forward. South Korea’s participation in the Women’s World Cup provides them with an opportunity to test themselves against the best in the world and continue their development as a footballing nation.

FAQ