In what is set to be a very lopsided clash, the USWNT, who come into the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup as reigning champions, will kick off their title defense against debutants Vietnam. Four years ago, the USA crushed another Asian minnow Thailand 13-0 in their group stage opener, and the overall consensus is that it will be Vietnam looking to try to keep the score-line as respectable as possible. To date, Team USA are unbeaten in their last 15 meetings with Asian countries at World Cups, and barring what probably would be one of the biggest upsets in women's football, it's hard to see that run changing on Friday.
This match could present a chance for USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski to experiment with his preferred starting XI and field players who are needing some minutes to get fully match fit. Still, with tougher opposition on the cards in the form of the Netherlands, who were runners-up at the 2019 version of this competition, and a Portugal side who are also making their debut but still have players that could cause problems, the USWNT will not want to experiment too much with this game.
Team USA come into this upcoming game in excellent form, with eight straight wins in 2023. During that run, they've conceded just once, during a 2-1 victory over Brazil at the SheBelieves Cup in February. It's a far cry from 2022, which ended on a bad note with three consecutive losses to England, Spain, and Germany, before they were able to at least make some amends by beating Germany 2-1 in their final match of that year.
As for Vietnam, they do come into this match having won the Southeast Asia games, but their performances in recent friendlies have not been encouraging. The debutants, in preparation for this competition, took on Germany, New Zealand, and Spain. While they did impress against Germany, who are ranked second in the world, they still lost 2-1, and were beaten 2-0 by New Zealand before being humiliated 9-0 by Spain.
Team news: USWNT vs Vietnam
USWNT: Both Julie Ertz and Rose Lavelle have recovered from their respective injuries and with Andonovski potentially testing out different formations, one or both players could get some much-needed game-time here.
Vietnam: No injury concerns for Vietnam ahead of this game, so they'll be able to field their strongest line-up for their first ever World cup game.
Match facts: USWNT vs Vietnam
- The USWNT are facing Vietnam for the first time, which makes the Asian country their 57th opponent
- The Stars and Stripes are unbeaten in their last 15 meetings with Asian countries at World Cups and their last 22 games overall against teams from the AFC
Broadcast info: USWNT vs Vietnam
Where can I watch the USWNT vs Vietnam live?
USA: For fans in the USA, there are plenty of options to tune into the USWNT vs Vietnam game, which kicks off at 09.00 PM EST (06.30 PM PST). The game will be broadcast live on TV via FOX Network, while those who either prefer to live stream it can check out Peacock and Foxsports.com. And for those looking to follow the game while on the go, FOX Sports App is a solid choice.
As for Spanish-speakers, they can choose from UNIVERSO, UNIVERSO NOW, and Telemundo Deportes En Vivo to stay updated on what's happening in this upcoming game.
Vietnam: Supporters in Vietnam looking to rally their team can follow the match via kênh 7.
Live elsewhere? Here's where you can watch the USWNT vs Vietnam live from wherever you are based:
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
