In an otherwise favorable draw, the defending champion Americans will face the Dutch in the group stage of next year’s tournament, setting up an early repeat of the 2019 final.
AUCKLAND, New Zealand — The defending champion United States will face the Netherlands in the group stage of next year’s Women’s World Cup, setting up an early repeat of the 2019 World Cup final.The four-time champion United States was drawn in Group E with Vietnam, the Netherlands and a playoff winner still to be determined in a tournament that has been expanded to 32 teams – drawn into eight groups of four – for the first time.
The U.S. and European champion England could meet in the tournament final after being placed in opposite sides of the bracket. England beat the Americans, 2-1, when the teams met at Wembley Stadium earlier this month.“The detailed preparation for the World Cup actually starts after tonight,” U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski said before the draw, adding, “For a team that’s always done well historically, the pressure’s always going to be there.
New Zealand will take on Norway in the opening game of the tournament on July 20, with co-host Australia playing its first match against Ireland later that day.