The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off today, with hosts France opening up the tournament against South Korea at Paris’s Parc des Princes.
As one of the favorites to win the tournament, France will be looking to make a statement in its opening match (3 p.m. EST, Fox Sports 1/Fox Sports Go). Announcing itself as one of the world’s best teams after making the 2011 World Cup semifinals, the team has been chasing further examples of glory since, but with mixed results. With a roster full of talent, including long-time defender Wendie Renard in the back, multi-talented midfielder and captain Amandine Henry in the middle and frequent goal-scorer Eugénie Le Sommer leading the attack, this year’s tournament might be the team’s best chance to finally win a World Cup title.
Opponents South Korea will be looking for a nice follow-up to a Round of 16 finish in 2015, the first time the team made it out of the group stage. Led by forward Ji So-yun, South Korea has a tough task ahead of it in a group with the hosts, 12th ranked Norway and Africa’s best team, Nigeria.
Looking ahead
The tournament’s first full day of action comes Saturday, as France and South Korea Group A opponents face off, while Group B play begins.
Group B – Germany v. China (9 a.m. ET, Fox Sports 1/Fox Sports Go): Two-time World Cup winners Germany begin their quest for a third against 1999 World Cup finalists China. The Germans, another team with quality throughout the roster, are also contenders for this year’s title, and will face a youthful China side that is on the rise.
Group B – Spain v. South Africa (Noon ET, Fox): After making its World Cup debut in 2015, Spain has become one of the game’s most exciting rising teams. Looking to improve upon a group stage exit and make a deep run, the first test will come against an attack-minded South Africa team at the World Cup for the first time.
Group A – Norway v. Nigeria (3:oo p.m. ET, Fox): A battle between two of the teams to participate at every edition of the Women’s World Cup, Norway will be searching for a victory to ensure, at the least, a second place finish in the group. Nigeria, meanwhile, will be aiming for a first trip to the knockouts since 1999.
After an almost two week stint in London for a pre-tournament camp, the reigning champion United States arrived in Reims on Friday ahead of their opening game against Thailand on Tuesday, June 11 (3 p.m. ET, Fox).