The United States women's national team embarks on their 2023 Women's World Cup journey in Australia and New Zealand, facing Vietnam in their opening match on Friday. The USWNT enters the tournament as the favorites, aiming to achieve an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup title.

Historically, only four teams have secured back-to-back World Cup championships. The USWNT achieved this feat with victories in 2015 and 2019, joining Italy's men's team (1934 and 1938), Brazil's men's team (1958 and 1962), and Germany's women's team (2003 and 2007). With such high expectations, the USWNT carries the weight of being the team to beat, facing opponents determined to dethrone them.

Their campaign commences against Vietnam in Auckland, New Zealand, on Friday night.

Match Details

Kick-off Time: 9 p.m. ET Friday
TV Coverage: FOX (coverage starts at 8 p.m. ET)
Streaming: Fans can watch the match here.

Team Rosters

USA:

• Goalkeepers: Aubrey Kingsbury, Casey Murphy, Alyssa Naeher
• Defenders: Alana Cook, Emily Fox, Crystal Dunn, Naomi Girma, Sofia Huerta, Kelley O’Hara, Emily Sonnett
• Midfielders: Savannah Demelo, Julie Ertz, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Kristie Mewis, Ashley Sanchez, Andi Sullivan
• Forwards: Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Alyssa Thompson, Lynn Williams

Vietnam:

• Goalkeepers: Tran Thi Kim Thanh, Khong Thi Hang, Dao Thi Kieu Oanh
• Defenders: Chuong Thi Kieu, Luong Thi Thu Thuong, Tran Thi Thu, Hoang Thi Loan, Tran Thi Thuy Nga, Le Thi Diem My, Tran Thi Thu Thao, Nguyen Thi My Anh, Tran Thi Hai Linh
• Midfielders: Nguyen Thi Tuyet, Tran Thi Thuy Trang, Thai Thi Thao, Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, Duong Thi Van, Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha
• Forwards: Huynh Nhu, Pham Hai Yen, Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha, Ngan Thi Van Su, Vu Thi Hoa

Previous World Cup Performance

The USWNT has dominated recent World Cups, securing victories in 2015 and 2019. Their 2019 triumph involved a 2-0 win over the Netherlands, with goals from Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle. In 2015, Carli Lloyd's historic hat-trick propelled the team to a 5-2 victory against Japan.

For Vietnam, this marks their inaugural appearance in a World Cup, having qualified in February 2022. They face a formidable challenge against the experienced USWNT.

Rapinoe's Final World Cup

This World Cup marks the final appearance for Megan Rapinoe, a pivotal figure in the USWNT's success. With eight World Cup goals and four assists, her impact on the team is undeniable. Carli Lloyd praised Rapinoe's contributions, acknowledging her significant role in the team's achievements.