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USWNT kicks off 2023 World Cup tonight! Here's what you missed and what you should know

Victoria Hernandez   Paste BN
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Break out your red, white and blue because the USWNT is set to take center stage at the 2023 World Cup.

The U.S. kicks off tonight in group play against Vietnam. The Stars and Stripes are in Group E, which also includes Netherlands and Portugal. Follow along with us live so you don't miss any of the big moments.

The team begins its quest to win a third consecutive title, something no side — men's or women's — has ever accomplished.

This tournament will be superstar Megan Rapinoe's last, and could be a swan song for Alex Morgan and Julie Ertz as well. But rising stars Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith and Alyssa Thompson are ready to carry the torch.

A deadly shooting set a heavy tone ahead of the tournament’s kickoff, but the host nations reminded everyone of the power the beautiful game has to bring people together. Now, it's the USWNT's turn to keep the momentum going.

How to watch the World Cup: Fan guide as USWNT seeks third straight title

Nancy on the ground

Every World Cup, it seems, there is a warning about how the rest of the world is catching up to the USWNT. How they won’t be able to run roughshod over teams on their way to another title.

Good. That’s how the USWNT wants it.

If the World Cup is more competitive, if the USWNT gets a challenge from every team it faces, that means the global game is improving, captain Lindsey Horan said.

“That's exciting. That's what everyone wants to watch,” she said. “It’s like the men's World Cup. Anyone can go out there and win. We just said, Saudi Arabia beat Argentina and Argentina goes on to win.

“Things like that are going to happen (here),” she said. “It's exciting for women's football and this is this is what we all want.”

- Nancy Armour, Paste BN Sports columnist

What you missed

Nigeria vs. Canada (Group B): 0-0

The game included a rare missed penalty kick from Canadian superstar Christine Sinclair, who is the leading all-time scorer in international soccer, men or women, with 190 goals. Read the recap here.

Switzerland vs. Philippines (Group A): 2-0

The Group A encounter was the first game inside Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium, the tournament’s only indoor venue. Read the recap here.

Spain vs. Costa Rica (Group C): 3-0

Spain’s winning margin would have been much greater, with 45 shots on goal, but for a determined performance by Costa Rica goalkeeper Daniela Solero on her 26th birthday. Read the recap here.

Megan Rapinoe leaves lasting legacy with USWNT, fight for equality

Megan Rapinoe has made a tremendous difference on and off the pitch as she's scored several game-winning goals, but also has been at the forefront of the fight for equal pay, LGBTQ rights and racial equality. Her achievements put her in the same conversation as Muhammad Ali and Billie Jean King as world-changing sports icons.

Goals for Bowls

Chipotle is giving away free food for each USWNT tying or leading goal during group play. The first 2,500 people to enter will receive a free entrée. The fast food Mexican chain has done similar marketing tactics for Formula 1 and the NBA Finals.

Helping make a home away from home

The 2023 World Cup is being played halfway across the world, making it difficult for families and friends of the USWNT to attend matches as they attempt to make history. Visa is helping them travel so that they can cheer on their loved ones.

USWNT finally getting what it's worth, but plenty other teams still fighting

After an arduous battle, the United States women's and men's teams split their World Cup winnings and have the same travel accommodations and support staff. But teams like Spain, Canada and Jamaica continue their fights for equal pay and treatment.

What’s Next

The USWNT takes the pitch for its first game against Vietnam at 9 p.m. ET tonight at Eden Park, New Zealand's national stadium. The Stars and Stripes are at full strength, with all 23 players available for the match, according to head coach Vlatko Andonovski. You can watch the game on Fox, Telemundo and various streaming services.

USA vs. Vietnam live blog: Join us to follow all the action!

Watch This

New Zealand had never won a World Cup game... until last night. Hannah Wilkinson scored the first goal of the tournament, and the lone score of the game, in the 48th minute. Her teammate Jacqui Hand outran defender Mathilde Harviken and sent a pass toward midfield, where Wilkinson was waiting. She knocked the ball in for the score. She pounded her chest and ran into a group of Football Ferns who gathered around her and jumped up and down in excitement.

Quote Me On That

"Words can’t even describe, honestly. I'm so proud to be a Fern tonight. So grateful for all the Kiwis that came out and supported us tonight. We really felt your support. I can’t really describe how special it is. It’s amazing. It really is." — New Zealand's Hannah Wilkinson, who scored the lone goal in the Football Ferns' upset of Norway for their first World Cup win.

The Essentials

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