World Cup Group A preview

FIFA ranking: 20

Nickname: La Nati

Coach: Inka Grings

How they qualified: Switzerland won eight of their 10 matches in their UEFA qualifying campaign, losing only to Group G leaders Italy. Switzerland, captained by Lia Walti, secured a 2-1 victory over Wales in the decisive playoff and sealed a spot for the showpiece event.

Previous tournaments: Switzerland's participation at the Women's World Cup has been limited, with only one previous qualification in 2015, where the team made it to the last 16.

Prospects: Switzerland will open their Group A campaign against the Philippines before taking on Norway and co-hosts New Zealand. Switzerland may fancy their chances as they are the second-highest-ranked side in the group, only behind 12th-placed Norway. The Philippines and New Zealand are both outside the top 20.

FIFA ranking: 26

Nickname: Football Ferns

Coach: Jitka Klimková

How they qualified: New Zealand are co-hosts with Australia so they qualify automatically. As a result they've been playing a far greater number of friendlies than usual, including against the US.

Previous tournaments: This is New Zealand sixth World Cup but they have never qualified outside of the group stage. They have recorded three draws, two of which came in 2015 and had some narrow defeats in 2019.

Prospects: Given they have home support, there is hope this could be a breakthrough for the side. They've chosen tough opposition in the build-up to the tournament and while goals have been an issue, there is quiet optimism. They signed off for the competition with a 2-0 success over Vietnam. The opening match with Norway will be critical and a major occasion for the sport in the country.

FIFA ranking: 12

Nickname: The Grashoppers

Coach: Hege Risse

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