Starting things off in the 2023 Women's World Cup is Group A, featuring two European sides, a World Cup debutant, and one of the hosts.
After failing to make it out of the group stage in last summer's European Championships, Hege Riise and Norway aim to bounce back. Riise took the helm following Martin Sjögren as the leader on the sideline who was in charge for the 2022 Euros. Led by captain Maren Mjelde, and superstars like Ada Hegerberg, Frida Maanum, Guro Reiten, and Caroline Graham Hansen in the front line, the Norwegians are without question the frontrunners.
The other European side in Group A, the Swiss are under new leadership as well. After a successful stint with FC Zurich Women Inka Grings was appointed in November of 2022, replacing Nils Nielsen. With the three-time Women's Footballer of the Year in Germany leading the charge, Switzerland is more than likely going to improve from its one point display last summer. Ramona Bachmann stars in the team in the frontline while Arsenal's Lia Wälti will captain the middle of the park.
Hosts New Zealand, and Asian Football Confederation side the Philippines round out the group. The Filipinas will be making their first World Cup appearance while the Football Ferns are targeting their first win on the world stage in their sixth Women's World Cup.
Women's World Cup 2023 Group A squads:
Norway
Manager: Hege Riise
FIFA World Ranking: 12
Goalkeepers: Cecilie Fiskerstrand, Aurora Mikalsen, Guro Pettersen
Defenders: Maren Mjelde (Captain), Sara Hørte, Tuva Hansen, Guro Bergsvand, Anja Sønstevold, Marit Bratberg Lund, Mathilde Harviken
Midfielders: Guro Reiten, Frida Maanum, Thea Bjelde, Vilde Bøe Risa, Ingrid Syrstad Engen, Emilie Haavi, Amalie Eikeland
Forwards: Ada Hegerberg, Julie Blakstad, Caroline Graham Hansen, Sophie Roman Haug, Karina Sævik, Anna Jøsendal
Reserves: Elisabeth Terland, Emma Stølen Godø, Malin Brenn
Switzerland
Manager: Inka Grings
FIFA World Ranking: 20
Goalkeepers: Livia Peng, Gaëlle Thalmann, Seraina Friedli
Defenders: Laura Felber, Nadine Riesen, Lara Marti, Julia Stierli, Luana Bühler, Viola Calligaris, Noelle Maritz, Eseosa Aigbogun
Midfielders: Lia Wälti (Captain), Géraldine Reuteler, Coumba Sow, Sandrine Mauron, Seraina Piubel, Marion Rey
Forwards: Ramona Bachmann, Alisha Lehmann, Fabienne Humm, Ana Maria Crnogorčević, Meriame Terchoun, Amira Arfaoui
New Zealand
Manager: Jitka Klimková
FIFA World Ranking: 25
Goalkeepers: Erin Nayler, Anna Leat, Victoria Esson
Defenders: Claudia Bunge, CJ Bott, Ali Riley (Captain), Rebekah Stott, Katie Bowen, Elizabeth Anton
Midfielders: Ria Percival, Malia Steinmetz, Daisy Cleverley, Annalie Longo, Olivia Chance, Betsy Hassett
Forwards: Gabi Rennie, Paige Satchell, Jacqui Hand, Hannah Wilkinson, Grace Jale, Indiah-Paige Riley, Milly Clegg
Reserves: Ava Collins, Kate Taylor, Grace Wisnewski
Philippines
Manager: Alen Stajcic
FIFA World Ranking: 49
Goalkeepers: Kaiya Jota, Kiara Fontanilla, Olivia McDaniel
Defenders: Angela Beard, Alicia Barker, Dominique Randle, Sofia Harrison, Malea Cesar, Hali Long, Jessika Cowart, Reina Bonta
Midfielders: Ryley Bugay, Anicka Castañeda, Sara Eggesvik, Quinley Quezada, Jaclyn Sawicki, Tahnai Annis (Captain)
Forwards: Isabella Flanigan, Katrina Guillou, Sarina Bolden, Carleigh Frilles, Meryll Serrano, Chandler McDaniel
Reserves: Maya Alcantara, Inna Palacios, Isabella Pasion
Women's World Cup 2023 Group A fixtures:
Matchday One:
New Zealand vs. Norway
Match info: July 20, 2023, 4:00 am EST, Eden Park
Philippines vs. Switzerland
Match info: July 21, 2023, 1:00 am EST, Dunedin Stadium
Matchday Two:
New Zealand vs. Philippines
Match info: July 25, 2023, 1:30 am EST, Wellington Regional Stadium
Switzerland vs. Norway
Match info: July 25, 2023, 4:00 am EST, Waikato Stadium
Matchday Three:
Norway vs. Philippines
Match info: July 30, 2023, 3:00 am EST, Eden Park
Switzerland v New Zealand
Match info: July 30, 2023, 3:00 am EST, Dunedid Stadium
Women's World Cup 2023 standings prediction for Group A:
1. Norway – 9 points
2. Switzerland – 6 points
3. New Zealand – 3 points
4. Philippines – 0 points
How to watch: FS1, FOX Sports
The Group A winner will play the Group C runners-up while the Group A runners-up will play the Group C winner in the knockout stages. (Group C: Spain, Japan, Costa Rica, Zambia)
