By Mason Cavalier
WashingtonSpirit.com
With the FIFA Women’s World Cup draw at La Seine Musicale in Paris complete, Spirit internationals learned their National Team’s groups and schedules for the upcoming competition taking place from June 7 to July 7, 2019 in France.
Spirit midfielder Rose Lavelle and forward Mallory Pugh helped the U.S. Women’s National Team qualify for the World Cup by playing key roles during their title run at the Concacaf Championship. The USA has been placed in Group F for the World Cup alongside Thailand, Chile, and Sweden, who has been a group-stage opponent to the U.S. in the last four World Cups.
The U.S. will be taking on Thailand to kick off their 2019 World Cup on June 11th in Reims, followed by their second group stage match against Chile on June 16th, and then finally their last group stage game, a marquee matchup against Sweden on June 20th in Le Havre.
Spirit forward Francisca Ordega and Nigeria were placed in Group A with the host France, South Korea, and Norway. The Super Eagles will begin their campaign with a game against Norway on June 8th in Riems, followed by a match with South Korea in Grenoble on June 12th, and will conclude group stage play against France on June 17th in Rennes.
It's on! #FIFAWWC https://t.co/pwfYRAmPcL
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The Canadian Women’s National Team and Washington defender Rebecca Quinn were placed into Group E with Cameroon, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. Quinn and Canada will have their first game on June 10th against Cameroon in Montpellier, their second against New Zealand on June 15th in Grenoble, and their third against the Netherlands on June 20th in Reims.
Spirit midfielder/forward Estefanía Baniniand the Argentina Women’s National Team were drawn into Group D with England, Scotland and Japan. Banini helped Argentina qualify for the World Cup by defeating Panama in an intercontinental play-off series. Argentina will open group play against Japan on June 10, before facing England on June 14 and finishing up against Scotland on June 19.