The Netherlands women’s soccer team drew the defending champions United States for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand on Saturday.

Team USA is an old acquaintance for the Orange squad. The two teams faced each other in the 2019 World Cup final. The Netherlands suffered a 0-2 defeat in this last duel.

At the Aotea Center in Auckland, the Vietnam debutant and qualifying Group A winner also appeared as a Group E opponent. This group includes Portugal, Cameroon and Thailand. Winner Cameroon-Thailand takes on the Portuguese. The team that wins this game enters Group E.

These three countries will compete for a starting ticket in February 2023.

The Netherlands were in Pot 2 after the Orange Lionesses recently dropped two spots in the FIFA rankings. Jonker’s team was thus able to raffle off the strongest team in Europe against recognized nations such as world champions USA and England, coached by Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman. In the end, American women emerged as the main opponents.

The two teams also faced each other in the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games in Tokyo. This meeting ended in a draw, after which the United States took the penalties better.

England with Wiegman, Ireland with Pauw

England will take it next year Under against Denmark, China and the winners of qualifying Group B, which consists of Chile, Senegal and Haiti.

Ireland, led by Vera Pauw, meet host countries Australia, Nigeria and Canada.

For the first time, 32 countries are taking part in the ninth edition of the Women’s World Cup. The tournament will take place from July 20th to August 20th. Australia has six host cities, New Zealand four.

The Orange team plays all group matches in New Zealand. Group E winners play Group G number two. These include group leaders Sweden, Italy, Argentina and South Africa.

The Netherlands narrowly qualified for the tournament in Oceania after beating Iceland 1-0 last month. It is the third time in a row that the Netherlands will take part in the final.