Now it’s the woman’s turn.
The next Women’s World Cup is scheduled to be held in Brazil next summer. Just as Spain won the men’s trophy. Recently concluded tournamentsthe country’s women were champions three years ago.
Spain is currently the top ranked women’s team in the world England win 1-0 in 2023 Women’s World Cup final in Sydney. The squad was packed with talent, including Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bommati and Alexia Puteras, as well as young star Salma Pararuelo.
In a TV interview after the men’s final, Spanish star Rodri paid Bommatti his highest praise. “I’m trying to see if I can reach her level.”
For the United States, which lost in the 2023 tournament, the memories of 2023 are not so fond. Round of 16, Sweden. Still, the United States has won four World Cups and is currently No. 2 in the world rankings.
The U.S. will play Spain twice in October to prepare for CONCACAF qualifying, which begins in Texas in late November. A friendly against Spain could provide a glimpse of what both teams will be like next summer.
“We know Spain is a great team, and I think we’re really looking forward to getting ready for this, especially before qualifying,” said U.S. midfielder Lily Johannes. “And, yeah, I think it’s a really great opportunity for us. We played against them, we played against them in the Champions League, and we know how great they are.”
road to brazil
The process to qualify for the World Cup is progressing smoothly, with 14 teams already having secured their spots. Brazil has an automatic berth but has never won the women’s tournament.
“Not long ago, men and women did not have equal opportunities. But things are changing, and this World Cup has great potential to really make that change happen,” said former Brazil national team defender Aline Pellegrino, who is now Executive Director of Legacy and Stakeholders for the Brazil Women’s World Cup. “Therefore, there is great excitement and expectation that we will have the best possible atmosphere in the stadium, as we saw in the two recent matches between the Brazilian national team and the United States. FIFA, in collaboration with the federal government and the host city, has been working hard to ensure that the stadium is full and that everything runs as efficiently as possible.”
The biggest question surrounding the Brazilians is the position of veteran captain Marta, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 122 goals. Marta retired from international competition as follows. Brazil lost to America 0-1 He played in the gold medal match at the Paris Olympics, but returned the following year for the Copa America Femenina. She will be 41 years old when her country hosts the World Cup.
The United States traveled to Brazil for two games in June, losing 2-1 in Sao Paulo but winning 1-0 in Fortaleza. US coach Emma Hayes said the team needed to embrace “moments of chaos” in a hostile environment.
Who’s in here so far?
Australia, the Philippines, Japan, North Korea, China, South Korea, Argentina, Colombia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Spain and Denmark are the countries that have qualified. Germany, world champions in 2003 and 2011, is ranked third in the world.
Brazil previously hosted the Men’s World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016. The eight cities that will host the women’s games next year – Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Porto Alegre, Recife and Salvador – all also hosted the men’s games in 2014.
Next year’s tournament will be the last with 32 teams, increasing to 48 teams like the men’s tournament. The 2031 Women’s World Cup is expected to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica. A formal decision is expected to be announced in November.
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
