TRENDING

The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (USWNT) takes the field for the first time in the 2023 World Cup tonight—and they are a force to be reckoned with.  

The legend started back in 1999 when the U.S. women beat China with a game-winning penalty kick, the celebration of which created what may have been the first viral moment ever (google Brandi Chastain if you want to see what we mean). 

But that iconic image would pale in comparison with what's at stake for U.S. team this year—they're competing to win their third World Cup in a row, after taking home the championship in both 2015 and 2019. No national team, in women's OR men's soccer, has ever achieved what many are calling a World Cup "three-peat."

Will they do it? Many say yes. With an all-star slate of established and new players, the U.S. is showing up with the best of both worlds—the perf balance of experience and eagerness. Because of this, die-hard soccer fans and sport experts alike predict that this World Cup will be the most exciting yet for U.S. And it might just be the year the U.S. women make soccer history. 

Here's everything you need to know to get in on the action…. 

@nwsl

1. What is the World Cup?

The FIFA Women's World Cup takes place every four years—and this summer Australia and New Zealand are hosting the games together. A record 32 countries have teams this year, which reflects the growing popularity of women's soccer worldwide. The tournament started last night with a bang; New Zealand's team winning a upset over Norway in their opener. 

Tonight, the U.S. will play their first game against Vietnam in Auckland. It'll be a must-see match—and the first time we'll get a glimpse at how the new lineup of U.S. players work together (and make soccer ~magic~) on the field. 

2. Who should I watch for?

@alyssthomp

The U.S. team is more diverse than ever before this year, having recruited tons of fresh players since the last World Cup. There are 14 World Cup first-timers on the 23-person team, so it's fair to say that the squad is entering a new era as the no. 1 ranked team in the world. 

The fan favorite this year (and certainly a player who's caught our eye) is midfielder Alyssa Thompson. Alyssa is the youngest American player at only 18 (!) years old. A member of Angel City FC in L.A., she was drafted into the National Women's Soccer League directly out of high school (yes, she's *that* good) and is making her long-time dreams a reality by taking the international soccer world by storm this summer.

@mrapinoe

We're also pumped to see the returning faces of Megan Rapinoe—who's not only a rockstar forward but also a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and pay equality for female athletes—as well as Alex Morgan, striker extraordinaire. 

3. When can I catch it? 

You can watch the U.S. v. Vietnam game tonight, July 21, at 9p.m. EST on Fox. They'll then go on to play the other teams in their bracket, Group E: the Netherlands and Portugal. The tournament lasts until August 20. 

Will you be tuning into the U.S. Women's Team's first game tonight?
Let us know on Twitter @girlslifemag.

Top Image: @nwsl

by Madelon Basil | 7/21/2023