At the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019, the Football Ferns will compete against Norway, a former champion.
The fact that the defending world champions and the number one-ranked USA will play their group matches in Aotearoa is, however, the biggest draw for New Zealand supporters.
Last night’s glitzy draw ceremony at Aotea Centre also pitted the Kiwis against Switzerland and the Philippines in Group A.
In addition to being the current champions, Team USA has won a record four FIFA World Cups and changed the game.
The Americans will play two pool games in Auckland and one in Wellington thanks to the draw that placed them in Group E.
Carli Lloyd, a legend of American football, is as thrilled about the USA’s new home as the locals are.
“As I’ve already stated, this will be the largest and best world cup ever, and I believe it will be fantastic for the people of New Zealand that the USA will play all of their group games here. There will be a lot of excitement, Lloyd said.
There were concerns regarding the locations of the biggest teams when New Zealand and Australia co-hosted the World Cup.
According to Fifa World Cup 2023 Chief Executive Dave Beeche, thousands of fervent US fans are anticipated to travel to New Zealand.
“We’ll need to recut the numbers from our initial economic benefit work, which predicted that about $200 million would enter the New Zealand economy.
Tens of thousands of fans are expected to travel to support the USA squad, according to the Americans we are speaking to, Beeche said.
The group publicly and effectively pushed for salary parity with their male counterparts, and their efforts served as a spark for increased interest in the sport.
“You can see this movement taking shape and people getting on board with women’s football because of the incredible benefits it provides both on and off the field.
Both investment and support are taking place. It’s amazing,” Lloyd exclaimed.
Fans should expect an exciting type of football from the USA team in what is expected to be a historic event, according to coach Vlatko Andonovski.
“Our team’s players set the pace for innovation. They are more than simply soccer players; they are a bunch of players that are moving the game ahead, according to Andonovski.
“I believe that the spectators will be able to see thrilling contests, good creative minds, and incredibly good soccer players.”
Superstar US football players will reside in Aotearoa during the FIFA World Cup.
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