NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
The wait is over! Another FIFA Women’s World Cup has arrived and the field is bigger and better than ever. So much has improved in the women’s game and this tournament will be a showcase for many of them, from an increase in the number of teams to the investments countries have made to improve their national teams. Of course, the headlines start with can the ladies of the USA win a THRID straight cup? Can Brazil do what Argentina did and carry a living legend to the promised land? With the tournament taking place in New Zealand and Australia for some of us it will be a true test of how much you love the game I for one will be sneaking in naps here and there but tuned in for sure.
What’s New In 2023?
We see a jump from 24 to 32 teams, which has allowed us to see some new nations make their first appearance on the big stage. Welcome to the World Cup: Haiti, the Republic of Ireland, Morocco, Panama, Philippines, Portugal, Vietnam, and Zambia. I would not be surprised if Portugal made some noise, and can Zambia take that energy from their Germany win and build off of it? The total prize money will increase from $30 million to $110 million also, for the first time, some of the prize money will go directly to the players. Typically, the money goes to the participating countries. Each player on a World Cup roster will receive $30,000, and that amount will increase as teams advance through each round. Each player on the winning team will be awarded $270,000.
This is still not as much as the men’s national teams make but we should see equal pay by the time we get to the 2026 World Cup/2027 World Cup. We have “base camps” something FIFA describes as the team’s home away from home. That along with hotels near playing venues all set up to make a better experience for teams.
If Not USA Then Who?
With a mix of vets and exciting new young players, the USA is the clear favorite, but this is the most stacked tournament they have entered. I cannot wait to see the likes of Sophia Smith, Alyssa Thompson, and Trinity Rodman under the bright lights. Who else are players and teams to watch for you ask. Teams that can win it all are Germany, Spain, and England. We know playing at home gives teams all sorts of energy can Australia pull it off? England are the champions of Europe with a ton of young talent with nothing to lose. Plus, how sweet would it be to beat the Americans? Spain keeps the theme going young and hungry, but we have to keep an eye on star Alexis Putellas who has been in and out of the lineup after her knee injury. But do NOT sleep on Aitana Bonmati who is a beast in the midfield and a true star. Germany wants the cup back and with players like Alexandra Popp and Lena Oberdorf, it is possible.
Overall, this is going to be a FANTASTIC tournament full of amazing goals and new emerging stars. Yes, you can complain about the start times but if you love the game it won’t matter to you. Get to know some of the new blood in the sport and the amazing things they do on the pitch. Also, pay attention to the things they do off the field in terms of mental health and growing the game overall. Make the time to watch some footy and give these athletes the love they deserve. Look for me stumbling out of a local Starbucks wearing a Rodman jersey. Enjoy the games and look for Team NBS coverage until a champion is crowned. Rooting for the USWNT? Grab the latest gear here from our partners at Fanatics.
