FIFA Women’s World Cup is only three weeks away. While the 32 national teams are gearing up for the mega event, all eyes are on USWNT, who recently released the roster. US Soccer balanced it well with experienced players like Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan as well as new-generation players like Trinity Rodman and Alyssa Thompson.

The media day for USWNT concluded recently, with the players speaking about their selection and their aims in this World Cup. The iconic striker of USWNT, Megan Rapinoe spoke about her excitement about the tourney and she feels the US team is ready for the challenge.

Megan Rapinoe is ready to give her best

USWNT will go into the World Cup as two-time defending champions. They have set their eyes on achieving a three-peat. It will be a massive achievement for the US women’s team. And the players are pumped up to give their all. Rapinoe spoke about her teammates on the media day recently. “I can’t believe we’re back at the World Cup again. It’s kind of crazy. This is the best moment of all of our career,” Rapinoe stated.

The two-time World Champion feels it’s incredibly special to represent the US at the highest level. She believes it will be the best World Cup by far. Speaking of her teammates, the OL Reign forward added, “You’re going to see the best product on the field, and that’s because players are going to be able to be put in a position to actually do that and just focus on the game and go out there and provide the entertainment everybody wants.” 

After a horrific injury to Mallory Swanson that kept her out of the World Cup, fans will look at the experienced Rapinoe and Alex Morgan to carry the attack. They will get support from next-gen Sophia Smith, Lynn Williams, Trinity Rodman, and Alyssa Thompson. Vlatko Andonovoski’s side will start the title defense against Vietnam on July 22.

READ MORE: 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Schedule, Teams, Venue, TV Schedule, Tickets and Much More

They will next play last edition’s finalist Netherlands before rounding off the group stage against debutant Portugal, one of the eight debutants.

FIFA’s mission of inclusivity succeeded

The 2023 edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be the first with 32 teams since its inception in 1991. FIFA did it with the mission of expanding women’s soccer. And it seems the pinnacle soccer governing body has succeeded. A total of eight teams are making their debut in the tournament this year, which will see a significant increase in the prize and participation money.

The teams that will debut in Australia and New Zealand are:

Haiti

Morocco

Panama

Philippines

Portugal

Republic of Ireland

Vietnam

Zambia

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With the likes of England posing challenges, will USWNT make it three in three this year?