Eight nations debuting from Philippines to Zambia reflect the rising evolution of Women's Football
Over the past year, women's football has experienced an extraordinary surge worldwide, marked by remarkable progress. This summer's FIFA Women's World Cup will showcase an impressive total of eight countries making their debut, further propelling the growth of the sport. Find out their schedules at this year's tournament.
The much-anticipated FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 beckons as for the first time eight nations, including the likes of the Philippines, Vietnam, Zambia, and Haiti, make their inaugural appearances.
This remarkable feat not only demonstrates the growth of women's football over the past year but also serves as a powerful catalyst for its continued advancement.
As the spotlight shines brightly on these rising stars, we look at their journeys to this summer and preview their upcoming tournament fixtures.
Philippines - Group A
Ranked 46th in the World FIFA Rankings, Philippines Women’s National Team have become the first ever side to qualify for a FIFA tournament across men’s, women’s and youth football in the country.
Their qualification for this summer was secured after they reached the semi-finals of the 2022 AFC Asian Cup following a quarter-final penalty shoot-out against Chinese Taipei.
Fans will have their eyes on 27 year old Sarina Bolden, the US-born Filipina who has already netted 21 goals in 36 appearances for her country, and scored the winning penalty that secured her national FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification.
Republic of Ireland - Group B
Republic of Ireland have narrowly missed out on qualification for the past three consecutive World Cup tournaments, however, they ended 12 years of hurt in the most dramatic of fashions after a 1-0 win over rivals Scotland in the UEFA play-offs.
Now, just seven years after the side threatened to boycott matches in demand of better treatment from the FAI, they will step out at their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup and kick things off with an opening game against co-hosts Australia.
The Girls in Green will also come up against Tokyo 2020 Olympic champions, Canada, as well as 11-time WAFCON winners, Nigeria.
Zambia celebrate after their international friendly win over between Germany
Zambia - Group C
Zambia’s national team growth has been evident for the past few years now.
In 2014 they qualified for their first ever WAFCON, and did the same again in 2018 before making it three consecutive appearances at the tournament just last year.
They then secured qualification to their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup when they reached the semi-finals of last year’s WAFCON, following a penalty shoot-out win against Senegal in the quarter finals.
Zambia who are counting on their star player Barbra Banda head into this summer’s tournament with immense confidence following an incredible 3-2 friendly win over EURO 2022 finalists Germany.
Haiti - Group D
It was 19-year old Melchie Dumornay who cemented Haiti’s historical spot at this summer’s tournament after scoring twice against Chile in the qualification play-offs and securing a 2-1 win.
The Lyon midfielder will be one to watch at the FIFA Women’s World Cup as Haiti prepare to take on none other than European Champions England in the opening game of Group D.
The World Cup newcomers will also face China and Denmark in a bid to yet again put their names in the history books and make the knockout round.
Vietnam celebrate their 2-1 victory and qualification of the FIFA Women's World Cup after the AFC Women's Asian Cup 5th place play-off against Chinese Taipei
Vietnam - Group E
After seeing off Thailand and Chinese Taipei, Vietnam joined the Philippines as the second FIFA Women’s World Cup debut nation from Asia.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup debutants face tough competition in their opening fixture, coming up against reigning World Champions, the United States.
However, preparations for their debut World Cup appearance have been going strong, with Vietnam taking gold at the Southeast Asian Games 2023 following a 2-0 win over Myanmar.
Portugal - Group E
After inaugural qualification to the 2017 Women’s Euros was followed by a second appearance just last summer, Portugal made it clear that qualification for the 2023 Women’s World Cup was next on their to-do list.
The European nation secured their spot at this summer’s tournament with a dramatic 2-1 play-off final win over Cameroon.
After Cameroon levelled the scoreline in the 89th minute, Portugal’s Carole Costa converted a 94th minute penalty to send her side to their first ever World Cup.
The Portuguese find themselves in Group E - the only group at this summer’s competition to feature two inaugural sides along with 2019 finalists USA and Netherlands.
Debutants Portugal find themselves up against tough competition in Group E
Panama - Group F
After narrowly missing out on France 2019 qualification to Jamaica on penalties, Panama were hungrier than ever to make this summer’s tournament.
Las Canaleras confirmed their place in Australia and New Zealand with a 1-0 play-off final win over Paraguay.
Despite being drawn in a group of immense competition - Brazil, France and Jamaica - recent performances will put Panama in good stead heading into their opening fixture.
Having lost only two of their last 13 fixtures, and scoring in the majority, the World Cup newcomers will be poised to take on top opposition.
Morocco - Group H
It has been a historic twelve months for Moroccan football, with both the women’s and men’s sides qualifying for their first ever FIFA World Cup.
After a narrow 2-1 loss to South Africa at the 2022 WAFCON, Morocco Women secured their place at this summer’s tournament, and in doing so, became the first ever Arab nation to qualify for a FIFA Women’s World Cup.
All eyes will be on Ghislane Chebbak, the incredible Moroccan captain who was named as Player of the Tournament and top goal scorer at 2022 WAFCON, as she leads her nation out in Australia and New Zealand.
With the Moroccan men taking the world by storm with an inaugural semi-final finish at Qatar 2022… can the women’s side do the same?