The FIFA Women’s World Cup has arrived. Building off a thrilling Men’s tournament in Qatar this past fall, Women’s Football takes center stage from Australia and New Zealand starting early in the morning on Thursday, local time. Here in the U.S., all eyes will be on team USA as it begins its quest for a three-peat against World Cup debutant Vietnam on Friday.
The Matchup: USAvVIE
- Stage: Group E, Matchday 1
- 6:00 PM PT kickoff
- Venue: Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand
- Watch: FOX40
- Watch Party: Le Five Rancho Cordova – RSVP Today!
How to Watch
Fans eager to take in the match with other soccer fans from around the region can join the club at Le Five Indoor Soccer in Rancho Cordova for a free watch party. The event will also mark the start of a month-long community initiative to collect sports bras for girls and teens that are gaining confidence and empowerment through sports in partnership with Le Five, Restore Hyper Wellness, G6 Performance Training, and Saha Float Spa. For more information or to RSVP, visit SacRepublicFC.com/WorldCup.
Outlook: United States
All eyes are on the United States at the outset. The Stars and Stripes enter the tournament as the defending title winners twice over, with a shot at a three-peat – an accomplishment never claimed by any nation in World Cup history, Men’s or Women’s.
The runaway favorite at the outset, Team USA again boasts a strong roster. This year, the United States’ contingent of veterans is bolstered by a grouping of young, energetic players – six have 100 or more international caps, while 14 will be making their World Cup debut. It makes for a deep USWNT squad, providing the defending champions an advantage that could take them to the promised land. Against Vietnam, they’ll have an excellent chance at three points if they come out firing from the opening whistle and take advantage of what will likely be a team with early nerves.
Outlook: Vietnam
Vietnam enters the match as the underdog – but one not to be underestimated. Playing its nation’s first ever World Cup match, the Golden Star Women’s Warriors will have nothing to lose and are going to give everything they have as a result.
They will rely heavily on captain Huynh Nhu to provide a threat for her squad on the attacking end. The 31-year old striker is the only member of the Vietnamese team that plays overseas – in fact, she was the first ever from her nation to play abroad professionally upon signing with Portugese side Lank FC in 2022. She is her country’s all-time leading goal-scorer with 64 goals in 103 international appearances.
