On Wednesday, history will be made once again at the 2023 FIFA World Cup. This summer's competition has already been setting new records left and right, whether it be debut hat-tricks, shock victories for debutants, or young starlets announcing themselves on the big stage. For the first time, the two finalists from the last edition will face off in the group stages as the USWNT take on the Netherlands in what should be a very intriguing battle between two top ranked teams.
Team USA come into this game having eased to a 3-0 win over debutants Vietnam. It wasn't the huge goal-scoring fest many had expected, with some hoping to see another repeat of the historic 13-0 drubbing Thailand received four years ago, but it was enough to ensure that the reigning champions sit on top of their quartet.
Head coach Vladko Andonovski opted to field a younger line-up, with eight of the team's 14 new faces getting some game-time. Newcomer Sophia Smith, widely regarded as a big prospect for the future, announced her presence with a player-of-the-game performance as she was directly involved in all three of her team's goals with a brace and an assist.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands battled to a gritty 1-0 victory over Portugal, who are also making their debut this summer. It was a much closer-contested affair than perhaps most anticipated, with Portugal proving to be a very tough opponents for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup runners-up. A goal from veteran defender Stefanie van der Gragt in the 13th minute ultimately proved to be the deciding factor, but the Netherlands had to wait quite some time for VAR to confirm that the goal stood in some nervy moments for the Oranje.
With both teams sitting on three points - but the USWNT on top thanks to their better goal difference - this game arguably will be the deciding factor in who finishes top of Group E and thus gets a potentially "easier" draw and who ends up in second spot. Of course, Portugal, who only suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat, will be doing their best to keep themselves in contention and could force the door back open with a crucial win over Vietnam, so that is also something both the Stars and Stripes and the Oranje will have in mind heading into this upcoming fixture.
Team news: USWNT vs Netherlands
USWNT: There is concern about the fitness of young striker Trinity Rodman after she sustained a suspected back injury during the last match, but she should easily recover in time for this game. Meanwhile, Lindsay Horan is one booking away from a suspension after receiving a yellow card during the 3-0 win over Vietnam.
Netherlands: Danielle van de Donk will need to be very careful here after picking up a yellow card during her team's 1-0 win over Portugal; should the midfielder receive another caution, she would be suspended for the Netherlands' final group stage game vs Vietnam.
Match facts: USWNT vs Netherlands
- This will be the first time two finalists from the prior World Cup will face off in the group stage
- This will be the 11th meeting between the USWNT and the Netherlands...
- ...and to date, the USWNT have lost just one of their last 10 meetings against the Netherlands (W8 D1), a 4-3 loss in their inaugural meeting back in 1991
- The Netherlands are featuring in their third World Cup after making their debut in 2015
- The USWNT are unbeaten in their last 15 World Cup games (W14 D1) since their surprise loss to Japan in the 2011 final
Broadcast info: USWNT vs Netherlands
Where can I watch the USWNT vs the Netherlands live?
USA: For fans in the USA, there are plenty of options to tune into the upcoming match between the USWNT and the Netherlands. Kick off is at 21.00 EST (18.00 PST) so this is a match many will be able to watch live without having to wake up super early in the morning. 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 option.
For Spanish-speakers, they can check out UNIVERSO, UNIVERSO NOW, Telemundo, and Telemundo Deportes En Vivo to stay updated on what's happening in this upcoming game.
In addition, FuboTV and Sling TV offer additional live-streaming services, with Fox Sports 1 available on both FuboTV and Sling TV, while Spanish-speakers also will find their channels available on FuboTV.
Netherlands: In the Netherlands, fans can follow the match on NPO 1.
Live elsewhere? Here's where you can watch the USWNT vs the Netherlands 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
