The calendar has flipped to 2023, and another edition of the World Cup is upon us. Here are our Top Five Reasons to Attend the 2023 Women’s World Cup as a USA Fan.
Farewell to Stars
In sports, all good things must eventually come to an end.
On the current USA roster, Megan Rapinoe, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Alex Morgan are by far the most capped players on the USWNT. At 37, 37 and 33 respectively, we are likely going to see these players lead the US Women’s National Team into the final World Cup of their illustrious careers. These three players in particular have been the face of the USWNT on and off the pitch for over a decade. Their experience through adversity, their winning mentality, knowledge, wisdom, and leadership has been paramount for the success of the national team. During the Summer of 2023, their international legacy is likely coming to an end. Considering their robust achievements, the stage is set for a sentimental and powerful moment in the history of US Soccer.
Australia and New Zealand are hosts
Sure, Australia has hosted some of the largest sporting events in the world, namely the 1956 (Melbourne) and 2000 (Sydney) Summer Olympics. However, unless you are a rugby fan, you haven’t had a sports related reason to venture to New Zealand. The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup changes that, as the USA women’s team is scheduled for three games in New Zealand.
These two Pacific islands are home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders on Earth. Between Australia’ beaches, Great Barrier Reef, and the Outback, and New Zealand’s unspoiled scenery and national parks, your extracurricular options will never be dull. Both countries boast a slew of ecotourism experiences that will help make your trip to watch soccer into an unforgettable vacation.
Witness the first Three peat
No team in history, men’s or women’s, has ever won the FIFA World Cup three times in a row. After becoming World Cup champs in 2015 with a defeat of Japan, and then repeating in 2019 with a win over the Netherlands, the US is looking to achieve something monumental and win a third World Cup in a row. Witnessing this historic feat would undoubtedly be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see in person as an American fan.
Next generation of American Stars
Once upon a time, Team USA stalwarts Michelle Akers and Mia Hamm gave way to young superstars like Abby Wambach, Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd. All of these women are American legends that have helped bring US women’s soccer to the level it is today. Now it is time for these stars to pass the reins onto today’s young stars.
Phenoms like Sophia Smith (2022 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year and only 22 years old) and Trinity Rodman (the youngest player to be drafted by the National Women’s Soccer League and currently 20 years old), are both likely to make their World Cup debuts and quickly leaving their mark on the program. Other eager prospects like Casey Murphy are seeking the opportunity to earn caps on the pitch in 2023 and beyond. This young talent will bring a great dynamic and energy on the field that could be their coming out party to the world stage.
Most International Talent in History
Women’s soccer across the globe is gaining popularity like never before. Participation and viewership is going up in many countries on all continents. With the success of the 2019 World Cup in France, the FIFA council elected to expand this year’s tournament with aims to keep this momentum going and foster the growth of women’s soccer. This change bodes well for large scale female tournaments, in particular the World Cup. This tournament will be the first ever women’s World Cup to have 32 teams participating, compared to years prior where only 24 teams participated. Competition is broadening and increasing in level, and the US will continue to see the best the world has to offer.
Recent Rivalries for the USA Women’s Squad:
Canada – Defeated by Canada in Olympic Semi-Finals
Sweden – Dominated by Sweden in 2016 and 2021 Olympics
England – Beat England in 2019 World Cup Semifinals, lost most recent match in 2022
Netherlands – Most recent World Cup runner up, lost 0-2 to US.
Spain – Shutout by Spain in most recent contest in 2022
Interested in seeing the 2023 Women’s World Cup in person this year? Click below and see how we can make it happen.
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