The 2019 Women’s World Cup kicks off this Friday at the Parc des Princes with the opening match between hosts France and South Korea. The tournament, taking place across various venues in France from June 7 to July 7, promises to showcase the best of women’s football and is already attracting significant attention.
Erwan Le Prévost, director of the organizing committee (LOC), highlighted the growing excitement: “We’ve surpassed 950,000 tickets sold,” he said, noting that the Parc des Princes will be sold out for the opening match. “The numbers are exploding. It’s an incredible success.” With global interest surging, fans can expect a month of thrilling matches, dramatic moments, and rising stars making their mark on the international stage.
Several teams enter the tournament as favorites. The United States, reigning champions from 2015, remain strong contenders alongside Germany, while host nation France is considered a dark horse with home advantage. Africa is represented by Nigeria, South Africa, and Cameroon, all facing tough competition as they seek to make an impact on the world stage.
Nigeria, a dominant force in African women’s football, has claimed 11 of the last 13 Africa Cup of Nations titles. However, their World Cup record is more mixed; in seven appearances, they have advanced beyond the group stage only once, in 1999. Drawn into Group A with France, South Korea, and Norway, the Super Falcons face a challenging path. Their campaign begins on June 8 against Norway, followed by a match against South Korea on June 12, and concludes with a showdown against host nation France on June 25. Success will require tactical discipline, determination, and strong performances from key players.
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, drawn in Group B with Germany, China, and Spain, face perhaps an even tougher challenge. Observers have expressed skepticism about their ability to advance, citing inconsistent performances in the lead-up to the tournament. Their schedule sees them start against Spain on June 8, face China on June 13, and finish the group stage against Germany on June 17. Despite these challenges, the team’s young talent and resilience could prove decisive.
Cameroon, who finished third in the last Africa Cup of Nations, are in Group E alongside Canada, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. On paper, the Cameroonian squad has a reasonable chance to progress. They will open against Canada on June 10, face the Netherlands on June 15, and complete their group stage against New Zealand. Strong performances could see them secure a spot in the knockout rounds.
The Women’s World Cup features 24 teams divided into six groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advance to the round of 16. From there, the tournament follows a traditional knockout format, progressing through the quarterfinals and semifinals before the final. While still growing in global recognition, the competition provides an exciting platform for women’s football, offering opportunities for both established stars and emerging talents to shine.
With high anticipation, packed stadiums, and some of the world’s best players on display, the 2019 Women’s World Cup is poised to be a landmark event, celebrating the growth and rising profile of women’s football around the globe.
