The lineup for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 was completed this week when Portugal and Panama earned their spots at the tournament.

Portugal sealed a 2-1 victory over Cameroon with a penalty kick in the 94th minute sending their team to their first ever Women’s World Cup, and Panama took the final spot after a 1-0 victory over Paraguay. 

The ninth edition of the tournament will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand, and is scheduled to take place from July 20 to August 20.

 It is the first FIFA Women’s World Cup to have more than one host nation, and also the first Women’s Cup to be held in the southern hemisphere. 

This year’s tournament will be the first to feature the expanded format of 32 teams, up from the previous 24; it will now be following the same format as the Men’s World Cup.

FIFA is also doubling the tournament’s prize money this year. 

Returning to the pitch is the United States, a four-time winner and the two-time defending champion. No country has won three straight World Cups on the men’s or women’s side, so this year Team USA might make history. 

The United States team is coming in strong with players like Alex Morgan, Mallory Swanson, and Megan Rapinoe. The team is in full swing after winning the SheBelieves Cup on Wednesday. 

England is the biggest threat to the USA, having won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 competition. They are followed closely by Germany, France, and Spain. 

Canada is also a fan favorite this year. The reigning Olympic gold medalists will be coming in eager to claim their first World Cup title. 

Brazil is coming in solid as well after being victorious in the 2022 Copa América Femenina. 

The countries making their debuts at the Women’s World Cup this year are Haiti, Morocco, Panama, the Philippines, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, Vietnam, and Zambia. 

There are many surprise entrants in the tournament this time around, but Haiti stands out the most. With their ongoing socioeconomic and political crisis, the World Cup tournament will be a breath of fresh air for the country. 

But having never played on the global stage and having been placed in a group with England, Denmark, and China, the chances of Haiti progressing are rare and slim. 

As the fight for improving playing and training conditions continues around the world, though, seeing the Haitian players push through all their obstacles should give fans a reason to cheer them on. 

Argentinian soccer fans might still be celebrating its men’s World Cup win in Qatar, but the women’s championship could be just around the corner. 

New Zealand will be facing Norway, the 1995 champions, in the opening game on July 20. Later the same day Australia will be kicking off against the Republic of Ireland.