Majority of USWNT remains silent as national anthem plays prior to Women's World Cup opener against Vietnam

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The United States women's national team's relationship with the national anthem has become complicated over the years. In the past, some members of the team have taken a knee as the song played prior to the kickoff of a match. 

But, when the USWNT lined up on the field prior to the start of their opening 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup match against Vietnam, the majority of the team stood during the playing of "Star Spangled Banner," although most of the players seemed to remain silent.

The entire opposing team appeared to passionately sing as Vietnam's national anthem "Tiến Quân Ca," or "Song of a Marching Army" was played. The players seemed to sing in unison, and all eleven athletes held their right hands over their hearts.

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The United States starting eleven line up during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E match between the USA and Vietnam at Eden Park on July 22, 2023, in Auckland, New Zealand.  (Carmen Mandato/USSF/Getty Images)

Six of the 11 American soccer players who stood on the field at Eden Park in New Zealand stood with the hands to their side or behind their back as the anthem played. 

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The remaining five players placed their hands over their hearts as the song blared throughout the stadium. 

Julie Ertz, Alyssa Naeher and Lindsey Horan were seen mouthing the words to the song while the rest of the team appeared stood stoically. 

A pair of crucial victories in 2022 punched Vietnam's first-ever ticket to the FIFA Women's World Cup. The newcomers' historic appearance on