2023 FIFA Women's World Cup team-by-team preview - ESPN

The 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand is set to kick off July 20, with the final slated for Aug. 20 in Sydney. It's the first time the tournament will have 32 nations competing for the world title, and viewers could be in store for the most entertaining matches in the history of the women's game as the United States defend their back-to-back trophies, England comes off a Euros 2022 win and Haiti, Portugal and Republic of Ireland among eight teams make their World Cup debut.

Can hosts Australia and New Zealand capitalise on home advantage? Will Keira Walsh or Alex Morgan deliver some magic? And can a new coach help France succeed?

ESPN previews each of the World Cup's 32 teams in the tournament with everything you need to know about the sides, split into the groups they will be in.

Also known as: Football Ferns

FIFA world rank: 22

Finish in previous World Cup: 20th

Betting line: +25,000 to win the World Cup

Manager: Jitka Klimkova

The Leicester City full-back has grown into one of the most important players for the Football Ferns. Plying her trade in the Women's Super League sees her test herself against the best of the best on a weekly basis, and that in turn has only improved her game. The Ferns are now set to reap the rewards of all the hard work she has put in during her club campaigns.

A youngster who turned heads in the most recent A-League Women's season, Clegg is one to watch. At just 17, she is the youngest member of this Football Ferns squad and will be attending her third World Cup in 12 months having been selected for the U17 and U20 New Zealand squads. She's fearless and can find the back of the net, which the Ferns need.

New Zealand have already played nine games so far in 2023. They've