The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup will begin on Friday, June 7, with France, the host nation, opening play against South Korea at the Parc des Princes in Paris. Almost 50,000 will be in attendance to watch the opening ceremony followed by the first fixture from Group A, and just like when Russia opened the 2018 Men’s World Cup against Saudi Arabia, it’ll be the only match of the day.
As the host nation and with a world ranking of number four, France will be the heavy favorite against South Korea, ranked number fourteen in the world. However, the Taegeuk Ladies advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2015 World Cup and suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sweden in their final friendly before June 7.
France will be desperate to get off to a flying start — especially with perennial power Norway up next — but it’s not going to be a straightforward contest for Les Bleues.
2019 Women’s World Cup First Game
France vs. South Korea
Location: Parc des Princes, Paris
Date: Friday, June 7 | Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
TV: FS1
2019 Women’s World Cup Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony will include a performance from French musician and singer-songwriter Jain. If you’re thinking "I don’t know her," you probably actually do (from a Levi’s commercial).
France Players To Watch
Eugénie Le Sommer
Position: Striker/Attacking Midfielder
Club: Lyon
Caps/Goals: 159/74
Amandine Henry
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Club: Lyon
Caps/Goals: 83/11
Wendie Renard
Position: Center Back
Club: Lyon
Caps/Goals: 108/20
South Korea Players To Watch
Cho So-hyun
Position: Midfielder
Club: West Ham United
Caps/Goals: 120/20
Ji So-yun
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Club: Chelsea
Caps/Goals: 115/54
Lee Eun-mi
Position: Defender
Club: Suwon UDC
Caps/Goals: 84/14
The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup continues on Saturday, June 8, with the other match from Group A, Norway vs. Nigeria, followed by both matches from Group B — Germany vs. China and Spain vs. South Africa.
The USWNT doesn’t begin play until Tuesday, June 11, when opening Group F against Thailand at the Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims.
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