World Cup 2023: All you need to know about the USA

USA undoubtedly go into this World Cup as favourites to lift the trophy.

They are also chasing a record third successive triumph, something no nation has achieved on either the women's or men's global stage.

However, the United States squad is in transition, with 2019 Golden Boot winner Megan Rapinoe likely to play a peripheral role. 

Regardless, they are expected to soar through Group E with ease as they look to make history in Australia and New Zealand.

USA group stage fixtures and UK kick-off times

USA vs Vietnam (Saturday, July 22, 2am) 

USA vs Netherlands (Thursday, July 27, 2am) 

Portugal vs USA (Tuesday, August 1, 8am)

How the US qualified for Australia and New Zealand 2023

The US dominated World Cup qualifying, winning all three matches in a group with Jamaica, Haiti, and Mexico. 

They finished top of the table with maximum points  — three ahead of the next best side Jamaica. 

The standout result was a 5-0 victory against the Reggae Girlz, with Sophia Smith bagging a brace in an impressive display.

Predicted XI

GK: Alyssa Naeher
RB: Emily Fox
CB: Alana Cook 
CB: Naomi Girma 
LB: Crystal Dunn 
CDM: Julie Ertz 
CM: Rose Lavelle 
CM: Lindsey Horan 
RW: Sophia Smith 
ST: Alex Morgan 
LW: Trinity Rodman

Star player: Alex Morgan

Alex Morgan has been a mainstay in this US side since her debut in 2010 — and continues to be at 33.

She remains their chief goal threat and has proven herself a clinical scorer on the international stage, having netted 121 goals in 216 games for her country. 

Morgan also remains a crucial player at club level for San Diego Wave and could be the one to make the difference for the US in decisive moments.

One to watch: Julie Ertz

The return of Julie Ertz is a big boost for the US.

She missed a number of seasons through injury and pregnancy but her return to the middle of the park will help a midfield that has occasionally looked disjointed. 

At the 2019 World Cup, she made an impressive eight tackles and eight interceptions.

Her combative presence and consistency will be key to guiding the US to a historic third consecutive World Cup.

The boss: Vlatko Andonovski

Vlatko Andonovski was appointed just after the World Cup triumph in 2019 to replace Jill Ellis, who stepped down. 

But not everything has been plain sailing with the team's failure to reach the final of the Tokyo Olympics a major disappointment. 

There have been doubts as to whether Andonovski has the ability to maintain the side's lofty standards — and he will be looking to prove his critics wrong this summer.

USA's official 23-player World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit).

Defenders: Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Kelley O’Hara (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Alana Cook (OL Reign), Emily Sonnett (OL Reign), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns), Emily Fox (North Carolina Courage).

Midfielders: Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit), Julie Ertz (Angel City FC), Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville), Lindsey Horan (Lyon), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit), Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham FC).

Forwards: Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit).

All information correct as of July 10