The 5 Things Every Fan Must Know About the Women’s World Cup

You’re amped for the Women’s World Cup. You love soccer. You love the women who play it. And you love following international competitions where only ONE team can come out the winner.

But the problem is that even in the United States, where we’ve had more than 40 years since Title IX, women’s sports only receive 4 percent of all sports coverage. So, while you want to watch with all the same intensity and interest as last year’s Men’s World Cup, you need a little help getting your footing. It’s probably not your fault. It’s just the patriarchy.

Fear not, fam. I got you.

Here’s what American fans need to know about the Women’s World Cup.

1. THE U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM MAY NOT WIN.

Yes, the U.S. Women’s National Team are the defending champs and favorites to win the Cup, with the odds set at 7-4. But France (7-2), Germany (11-2), and England (7-1) are right behind, nipping at their cleated heels. And France, which is the No. 4-ranked team in the world, is playing at home, so they’ll have maximum support from the crowd. This is not going to be a cake walk by any stretch. And that is, universally speaking, a good thing.

As parity in women’s athletics continues to grow, so does the global competition. We’ve seen more and more women in sport across the globe, and national leagues in France, the UK, and the U.S. are finally gaining some traction.

So, while I believe that we will win, I’m not getting too cocky out here. The USWNT has work to do.

2. SWEDEN IS THE USWNT’S TOUGHEST GROUP STAGE MATCH UP.

Before moving on to the Knockout Stage of the tournament, the USWNT will have to take care of business in the Group Stage against Thailand, Chile, and Sweden.

On Tuesday (June 11 at 3:00 P.M. EST), the USWNT will open up against Thailand. The U.S. won 9-0 in their only previous match up with Thailand (a 2016 friendly), and the line—in a soccer game—is set at 4.5. That’s a bigger margin than most football or basketball games. This is a statement game in which the USWNT must absolutely dominate, to set the tone for what they plan to do in France this year.

The USWNT is expected to beat Chile, a young side who have made it to their first-ever World Cup. But the last game in the Group Stage is against No. 9-ranked Sweden, a legitimate contender who should not be taken lightly. In case of a draw against Sweden, the U.S. side will need a better goal differential to win the group. While two teams in every group will go through, who the USWNT faces in the Knockout Stage depends on whether, so the USWNT will want to be in more control of their destiny.

3. THE USWNT’S HAS DEPTH, TALENT, & EXPERIENCE.

Now this is what a complete roster looks like: lockdown defenders, composed midfielders, and explosive scorers. To know the USWNT roster is to love them for their chemistry, athleticism, and technical proficiency.

In particular, pay attention to midfielders Julie Ertz, Lindsey Horan, and Megan Rapinoe—key playmakers and pace-setters for the team. Up top, expect plenty of razzle dazzle from Tobin Heath’s footwork, as well as Alex Morgan’s extraordinary work ethic and nose for the goal. And in the back, vets like Becky Sauerbrunn and Kelley O’Hara know how to shut it down.

The only question mark is who plays between the sticks. The USWNT will likely put Alyssa Naeher as the starting goalkeeper, but none have impressed or dominated like Hope Solo.

GOALKEEPERS

• Adrianna Franch
• Ashlyn Harris
• Alyssa Naeher

DEFENDERS

• Tierna Davidson
• Abby Dahlkemper
• Crystal Dunn
• Ali Krieger
• Kelley O’Hara
• Becky Sauerbrunn
• Emily Sonnett

MIDFIELDERS

• Morgan Brian
• Julie Ertz
• Lindsey Horan
• Rose Lavelle
• Allie Long
• Samantha Mewis

FORWARDS

• Tobin Heath
• Carli Lloyd
• Jessica McDonald
• Alex Morgan
• Christen Press
• Mallory Pugh
• Megan Rapinoe

4. THE REST OF THE WORLD: A CHEAT SHEET.

Okay, so now you know plenty about the USWNT. But who else is attending this international affair? And whose names will you hear on the broadcast?

BRAZIL / Marta

• Brazil is ranked No. 10 in the world
• Marta is 6-time FIFA Player of the Year (including last year) and the highest paid women’s player in the world

AUSTRALIA / Sam Kerr

• Australia is ranked No. 6 in the world
• Sam Kerr is a dynamic, athletic forward and the all-time top scorer in the NWSL, the U.S. women’s professional league

ENGLAND / Nikita Parris

• England is ranked No. 3 in the world
• Nikita Parris is a top goal-scorer for the Lionesses, expected to have a big showing at the tournament
• Parris is supported by Beth Mead and Steph Houghton, two reliable vets

GERMANY / Dzenifer Marozsán

• Germany is ranked No. 2 in the world, won the most recent Olympics, and already has 2 World Cup titles
• Dzenifer Marozsán is one of the most exciting midfield playmakers in the world right now
• Marozsán is supported by striker Alexandra Popp and a steady goalkeeper in Almuth Schult

FRANCE / Amandine Henry

• France is ranked No. 4 in the world, and the team has not lost in France since the beginning of 2016
• Since 2012, France has been steadily improving, with an impressive 4-2-2 record against the USWNT
• Midfielder Amandine Henry is the captain and key playmaker, supported by forward Gaetane Thiney

5. NORWAY’S ADA HEGERBERG IS TAKING A STAND.

One woman will be heard but not seen. Norway’s best player, Ada Hegerberg, has decided not to play for No. 12-ranked Norway since 2017. Hegerberg is a global soccer star who won France’s Ballon d’Or (the first time it was ever awarded to women) last year after playing for Olympique Lyonnais. But she is sitting out the Women’s World Cup in protest, because she believes that Norway does not show enough respect to women’s sports.

It’s a bold move. Imagine Tim Howard sitting out a World Cup. Imagine Allyson Felix sitting out an Olympics. An athlete’s career is only so long, and a World Cup only comes around every 4 years. Hegerberg is in her prime and this would have been a chance to shine on a world stage. But for the future of women’s soccer in Norway, her absence will be more impactful than her presence.

So, there you have it folks. You’re primed and ready. And so is the USWNT. Get in on the discussion and action by tweeting us your predictions at @thepromptmag.