The upcoming 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is just a week away, meaning that fans won't have to wait for too long to see the world's best players in the women's game all looking to help their teams to lift the coveted prize.
However, until then, there will be some matches to keep fans entertained as they await kick-off, which will take place on July 20th.
International Friendlies
The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is nearly here, and that means that teams are participating in some last-minute warm-up ties as managers look to figure out their best starting XIs.
On Thursday, July 13th, Vietnam will take on Spain. Given that Vietnam are one of eight sides making their debut at this year's tournament, while Spain are viewed as potential dark horses to have a deep run, it's safe to say that this game will be an expectedly lopsided affair, with Spain anticipated to use this to also give some fringe players a chance to make their claims for a starting XI spot. Despite the odds being stacked against them in a game that looks set to be mostly one-way traffic, it will be a great test for Vietnam, who are in a very tough quartet with both the USWNT and the Netherlands, the two teams who made it to the 2019 Women's World Cup final, in Group E for company.
Here's where you can watch Vietnam vs. Spain from wherever you are based.
Friday, July 14th will feature an exciting clash starring Australia and France. Australia, who are serving as co-hosts of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup along with New Zealand, are in Group B, alongside Canada, debutants Ireland, and Nigeria, while France are featuring in Group F, with Brazil being their biggest threat for top spot while Jamaica and Panama make up the other members of that quartet. Both Australia and France will be looking to have a strong competition, with the Matildas seeking to finally clear the quarter-finals stage while Les Bleues will hope that previous off the pitch drama and a new coach, Herve Renard, will be the tonic they need in order to top their fourth-placed finish from 2011.
Fans in the USA can catch Australia vs. France on ESPN+. That's assuming, of course, they're willing to get up by 05.30 EST (02.30 PST) for this very early kick off. There are also some good viewing options for fans based elsewhere in the world, which can be found here.
Also on Friday, debutants Ireland will face Colombia as both teams hope to kick off their respective competitions on the right foot. Ireland are indeed in a tough group, with heavyweights Canada, tournament co-hosts Australia, and Nigeria for company, while Colombia may find themselves involved in an interesting battle for a knockout berth with the likes of Morocco and South Korea in Group H.
Here's where you can tune into Colombia vs. Ireland, with broadcast listings tailored to your specifc geo-location.
Damallsvenskan, Toppserien, and Elitedivisionen
In Scandinavia, the top leagues in women's football are all still in process, with ongoing title races in Sweden's Damallsvenskan, Denmark's Elitedivisionen, and Norway's Toppserien. However, all three leagues currently are on pause, meaning that fans will have to wait until late August to catch up on top-flight games from Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.
That being said, fans can follow many players who feature in the Damallsvenskan, Elitedivisionen, and Toppserien at the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup as Sweden, Denmark, and Norway all qualified, while there are many other players who will be representing their nations in the highly anticipated competition.
Here's where you can catch key games in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway once the pause ends next month.
Top news in women's football
Controversy for Spain and the Netherlands after imitating celebration
Both Spain and the Netherlands now find themselves in an uncomfortable position with just about a week to go until the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup gets underway. The reason? A series of Instagram videos showing players from both teams attempting to do the Haka dance, which is a traditional war dance performed by the indigenous Maori people in New Zealand.
What honestly makes this curious is that New Zealand's own rugby team have been also imitating the dance for well over a century - and while some of the players are of Maori descent, the vast majority are not. In any case, both teams quickly removed the videos from their respective Instagram pages after causing a bit of an uproar on social media, and it's safe to say that both the Netherlands and Spain will want attention shifted back towards their actions on the pitch. Spain start their World Cup tournament on July 21st when they take on Costa Rica, while the Netherlands, who finished as runners-up at the 2019 edition, will face debutants Portugal on July 23rd.
"I'm not just my father's daughter": Trinity Rodman desperate to establish own separate identity
Since bursting onto the scene back in 2021 when she became the youngest ever player to sign with the NWSL, Trinity Rodman has been generating plenty of buzz. The now 21-year-old was selected as one of the players to join the USWNT as they aim to successfully defend their title, and was a key protagonist for the Stars and Stripes as her brace helped them clinch a 2-0 win over Wales in their last warm-up match prior to the upcoming World Cup.
However, despite impressing for the Washington Spirit, most people associate her with her famous father, who just so happens to be NBA icon Dennis Rodman. The young striker recently acknowledged that while she indeed is her father's daughter, she would like to gain respect on her own merits and shut down those who have perhaps insinuated that she's able to get ahead because of her famous name.
"I think being a woman coming from the Rodman name, coming from the NBA legacy of Dennis Rodman, it was important [that] I didn't want the comments of she's only here because of [her father]. She's only here because there's potential in the last name," she commented in a recent interview.
"[So while] that has always been important to me and will continue to be, but at the end of the day, I want the name to be Trinity Rodman and she earned it herself, not because she has that last name but because she earned her way."
Didn't find your favorite women's league on this list? No worries, as this is just a highlight of some of the exciting games coming up this week. Make sure to check out our special Women's Football Page here at LiveSoccerTV.com for full broadcast info, match updates, news, and more.
