USA vs Vietnam: Everything you need to know about World Cup match as road to history begins

The United States women's national team will face off against Vietnam to begin their play at the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand on Friday.  (Fox Sports)

The United States return to the Women’s World Cup as the favorites to win the trophy for the third consecutive tournament – a feat that has never been accomplished. 

Only four teams in history have been able to go back-to-back as World Cup champions, which the USWNT has done after their 2015 and 2019 victories. Italy’s men’s squad did so in 1934 and 1938, followed by Brazil’s men’s team (1958, 1962) and Germany’s women's team (2003, 2007). 

The expectations are stratospheric for this group, which means a target is also on their backs as every team they face will want to take them down. 

That begins with Vietnam in Auckland, New Zealand, on Friday night as their road to history begins. 

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United States midfielder Lindsey Horan, left, and Sophia Smith, center, celebrate with forward Trinity Rodman, right, who scored in the second half of a FIFA Women's World Cup send-off soccer match against Wales in San Jose, California, Sunday, July 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Josie Lepe)

USA vs. Vietnam will kick off at 9 p.m. ET Friday on FOX, with coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can tune in to watch the match here.

A star-studded roster includes: 

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The roster includes: 

As mentioned, the USWNT is the team to beat, having won back-to-back World Cups after victories in 2015 and 2019. 

Sophia Smith of USA poses for a portrait during the official FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 portrait session at on July 17,