Football In A Colourful World Cup Draw, The Ferns Receive Previous Champs

In between speeches and stage performances, teams were divided into the eight groups and informed of their bases for the pool stage at the Aotea Center the following year. Women Football World Cup fans can buy New Zealand vs Philippines Tickets from our website.

But when it mattered most, the draws were handled by two-time champion Carli Lloyd and media personality Amanda Davies. Many athletes, including Winter Olympics winner Zoi Sadwoski-Synnott and 50-Test Football Fern Maia Jackman, assisted the pair during the event.

Arsenal great Ian Wright attended the event in addition to his media duties from yesterday. Being one of the tournament's co-hosts, New Zealand was placed in Pot 1 for the draw, which prevented them from being placed in the same groups as superpowers like the United States, Germany, or England.

Moreover, there were three open spots in the draw that will be filled following a 10-team playoff in New Zealand in February. Before Australia was confirmed in Group B, Jackman assigned the Football Ferns to Group A. The tournament's opening match will take place in Auckland, New Zealand, and will feature the 1995 world champions Norway as the first team drawn into Group A.

Since the tournament's inception in 1991, Norway has never failed to qualify. After reaching the round of 16 in their first tournament appearance, Switzerland (ranked No. 21 in the world) was the next team to join Group A from Pot 3. Given that lower-ranked countries like Vietnam (World No. 34), Costa Rica (World No. 37), and Jamaica (World No. 43) were also in Pot 3, it was one of the most unlucky draws for the Kiwis.

World No. 53 Philippines completed Group A, becoming the first men's or women's team from an Asian archipelago to advance to the World Cup finals. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern welcomed authorities in attendance during a cultural performance by both Mori and international performers during an evening of flash and glamour at Auckland's Aotea Center and Aboriginal people.

Ardern took advantage of the opportunity to promote New Zealand's friendliness to the rest of the globe, saying she couldn't wait to demonstrate what "manaakitanga" really meant.

"You will see in our stadiums, in our host towns, and in our welcome in New Zealand and Australia that we embrace the opportunity you have given us in hosting this, the largest women's athletic event in the world," Ardern said.

New Zealand is proud to show you a nation that strives to be the finest not only in the globe but for all of humanity.

"It just so happens that our nation is quite lovely."

Soon after, FIFA president Gianni Infantino arrived and gave the crowd a smile, a "kia ora," and even a "g'day" before outlining his expectations for the tournament's impact on the "beautiful game."

"Football unifies the world, and we'll bring it together in Australia and New Zealand next year from the 20th of July to the 20th of August, he declared."

"Since football is joy, we shall bring the globe together in joy."

Groups of the FIFA Women's World Cup

Group A: New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Switzerland

Group B: Australia, Ireland, Nigeria, Canada

Group C: Spain, Costa Rica, Zambia, Japan

Group D: England, Group B Playoff Winner, Denmark, China

Group E: USA, Vietnam, Netherlands, Group A Playoff Winner

Group F: France, Jamaica, Brazil, Group C Playoff Winner

Group G: Sweden, South Africa, Italy, Argentina

Group H: Germany, Morocco, Colombia, Korea

Before the World Cup, Milly Clegg is named to the final Football Ferns roster.

Young Phoenix forward Milly Clegg's stellar A-League campaign has earned her a first-time call-up to the Football Ferns as a member of the final roster to be announced prior to this year's FIFA World Cup. FIFA Women Football World Cup fans can buy Switzerland vs New Zealand Tickets from our website.

Clegg, goalkeepers Victoria Esson and Anna Leat, attacker Jacqui Hand, and other players who missed the previous international window due to injury were all included in head coach Jitka Klimkova's 24-player roster for today's games against Iceland and Nigeria.

After having a breakthrough season for both club and country, Clegg was chosen. She counted goals at both the U-17 and U-20 FIFA women's World Contests. After being called up as a last-minute replacement player during the February camp, Michaela Foster has also been named as a member of the initial squad for the first time.

"It's wonderful that we were able to replace some of the injured players while also adding some fresh faces to the team, according to Klimkova."

"Milly Clegg is a player we have been next for a while, and after indorsing her best for her club and at the U-17 and U-20 FIFA Women's World Challenges, we are excited to see her join the senior team.

"Mickey Foster greatly impressed when she was called up from the beginning of the trip for the first time after being brought into the team as an injury replacement player in the previous camp. 

"Ria Percival was close to being ready to return for this window but will be spending the time finishing her recuperation with her club," said Ria Percival.

"Vic Esson, Anna Leat, and Jacqui Hand are back after missing the last camp with injury, which is a tremendous boost for us."

The New Zealand team is in a slump, having lost their last five games and giving up a total of 17 goals without scoring a single goal themselves. The two games are crucial for the Football Ferns as they prepare for the World Cup. The side is aware of the seriousness of the games in Turkey, according to Klimkova.

"After the games last month, she stated, these events are both really fantastic occasions for us to evaluate ourselves and try to apply some adjustments."

The squad was unhappy with the last month's results, so I am eager to come to Turkey and show what we are capable of in front of the FIFA Women's World Cup in a few months."

Both of the Football Ferns' upcoming games, against Iceland on April 8 and Nigeria on April 12, will begin at one in the morning NZT.

Football Ferns Squad

Goalkeepers: Vic Esson, Anna Leat, Erin Nayler

Defenders: Mackenzie Barry, CJ Bott, Katie Bowen, Claudia Bunge, Michaela Foster, Meikayla Moore, Grace Neville, Ali Riley, Rebekah Stott, Kate Taylor

Midfielders: Olivia Chance, Daisy Cleverley, Betsy Hassett, Malia Steinmetz

Forwards: Milly Clegg, Jacqui Hand, Grace Jale, Gabi Rennie, Indiah-Paige Riley, Paige Satchell, Hannah Wilkinson

In their final games before the Fifa World Cup in New Zealand, the Football Ferns will play Iceland and Nigeria.

Before to the Fifa World Cup, New Zealand will travel to Turkey for two final matches. The final Fifa international window before the Football Ferns' home World Cup in July will feature matches against Iceland (ranked No. 16 in the world) and Nigeria (45).

The 7500-seat capability Mardan Sports Compound in Antalya will crowd the two matchups on April 8 and 12.

"These are two good sides and a wonderful test for us moving into the tournament," Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková said.

"We played Iceland just over a year ago so this game gives a nice opportunity to show how we have been growing."

New Zealand encountered Iceland in February previous year at the SheBelieves Cup, with the Europeans charming 1-0. Iceland has never been able to compete in a Women's World Cup. After placing second in their Uefa group behind the Netherlands, they came close in this year's competition before falling to Portugal 4-1 in the semifinal playoffs.

Nigeria, a stalwart of the World Cup who has participated in every competition, will be placed in a group with the co-hosts Australia, the Olympic champions Canada, and Ireland.

Klimková continued, "We were eager to face an African side, and Nigeria are the perfect opponent, to challenge ourselves against every other confederation.

After a poor February camp in which they lost all three games at home—5-0 to Portugal and 2-0 and 1-0 to Argentina—New Zealand travels to Turkey.

"Everyone wants to show what we can do when we return to the pitch, and I know that. The outcomes versus Portugal and Argentina left us wanting "Klimková stated.

The Kiwis are attempting to leave the World Cup group stage for the first time despite being winless in seven games. The Football Ferns will reportedly don a new "white-and-blue" uniform for their forthcoming trip of Turkey after players voiced worries about the "distractions" that playing in white shorts while menstruating might bring on game days.

On Tuesday, March 28, the New Zealand team for the trip will be announced.

Soccer Ferns international competitions

Saturday, April 8

Football Ferns v Iceland: Mardan Sports Complex, Antalya - 1am

Wednesday, April 12

Football Ferns v Nigeria: Mardan Sports Complex, Antalya - 1am

Football Ferns World Cup fixtures

Thursday, July 20

Football Ferns vs Norway: Eden Park, Auckland - 7pm

Tuesday, July 25

Football Ferns v Philippines: Sky Stadium, Wellington - 5:30pm

Sunday, July 30

Football Ferns v Switzerland: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin - 7pm

Women Football World Cup 2023 fans can buy Women Football World Cup Tickets from our website.