"Ground hopper" Jessica Malone is "rooting for all women" at her fourth World Cup
From CNN's Tara Subramaniam in Auckland, New Zealand
Jessica Malone is in Auckland for her fourth World Cup. Tara Subramaniam/CNN
New Zealand is the 19th country geologist Jessica Malone has visited for a soccer game.
Malone, a Philadelphia resident, told CNN her hobby is "ground hopping", which she describes as "going to as many games all over the world as possible."
But, Malone says, she's often one of few women at these matches.
"This is a hobby that's very popular among European men because they can get to so many games," she said. "It hasn't been normalized that women might want to go watch men's or women's or travel for sport. So it's always interesting seeing people's reactions."
Malone says she loves attending women's soccer tournaments because it isn't seen as "weird" for her to attend.
"When I was in Russia [for the 2018 men's World Cup], I traveled by myself and got asked a lot why I was there, which is a funny question," she told CNN. "It's just a totally different vibe at women's tournaments because everyone knows like, 'oh, obviously you're here for this.'"
In Auckland, Malone said she's "here rooting for all women."
This is Malone's fourth time at a soccer World Cup. Her first was the 1999 Women's World Cup in the US, which she calls a "very formative event" in her life. She also attended the 2018 Men's World Cup in Russia and the 2019 Women's World Cup in France.
Her love of the "beautiful game" started with the 1998 World Cup, which she recalls watching with her family as a kid.
"I made my family name our dog 'Zizou' after that tournament," Malone told CNN, referencing star player Zinedine Zidane, who helped guide the French men to World Cup glory that year.
After attending the Women's World Cup the following year, Malone said: "Since then, I just I've always known this was my sport."
"Coming from the US where we're pretty America-centric, it really allowed me to learn a lot about the rest of the world and about other countries and other nations and the history of colonialism and all that stuff," Malone added. "I've always just looked forward to learning more and more about the rest of the world through the sport."
2 min ago
Trinity Rodman among US youngsters looking to make an impact at this World Cup
From CNN’s Ben Church and Travis Caldwell
Trinity Rodman celebrates scoring against Wales in San Jose, California, on July 9. Brad Smith/USSF/Getty Images for USSF
Trinity Rodman, the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman, is all set to make her Women’s World Cup debut.
The 21-year-old is one of the many young stars being introduced to the squad which is bidding for its third consecutive title on the world stage.
It comes as many older players are coming to the end of their careers. Megan Rapinoe, for example, confirmed she would retire from the sport at the end of the season.
In 2021, Rodman made history after becoming the youngest woman ever selected in the NWSL draft. The then 18-year-old was drafted to the Washington Spirit as the No. 2 pick.
She was named Rookie of the Year later that year as she helped her team lift the NWSL title.
Rodman made her highly-anticipated debut for the national team in 2022 and looks set for an exciting international career.
The youngster scored twice in her team’s last friendly match before traveling to Australia and New Zealand, so she’ll be confident of shining on the biggest stage of them all.
Fans have come from across America to support Team USA at the World Cup
From CNN's Tara Subramaniam in Auckland, New Zealand
From left: Livia, Randy, Laurenne and Lisette Moreland are back at a World Cup for the first time since 2016. Tara Subramaniam/CNN
Americans from coast to coast have made the trek to Auckland to support the reigning Women's World Cup champions as they seek a record third title.
The Moreland family, from Bethesda, Maryland, said they're excited to see how the team plays, given the dynamic between veteran players and many who are competing in their first World Cup.
"We love that the USA team has some of the old school teammates and the new roster. So we're really looking forward to seeing that transition," Laurenne Moreland told CNN.
Her family, which includes her two daughters, are among many such families in town for the tournament.
At the FIFA Fan Festival in Auckland, Adam from Austin, Texas, who asked to only be referenced by his first name, told CNN he's "looking forward to seeing the [US] women win."He's here with his wife and two daughters, including 12-year-old Cate, who thinks she's seen at least 50 professional soccer games in her lifetime.
Her mom Stephanie says soccer really wasn't on the family's radar until Cate started playing eight years ago.
Now, the family is at their second Women's World Cup. In 2019, they attended the US Women's National Team's famous 13-0 victory against Thailand in Reims, France.
"You would see Cate sort of just light up each time and then when we started thinking, OK, where's it gonna be four years from now? And Australia and New Zealand's just an awesome place to visit and a really fun adventure for our family," Stephanie said.
Cate, right, said her favorite US Women's National Team player is forward Alex Morgan. Tara Subramaniam/CNN
Elanor Espey and her mom Katrina from Sacramento, were also in France during the 2019 Women's World Cup and watched games from the fan zone in Paris.
Elanor Espey told CNN she's looking forward to seeing "how the teams have developed in the past four years since the last World Cup."
"It's a lot more competitive this year, which is how it should be, because you know, in the men's World Cup, everybody is like anyone can win and I love that it's getting to a point in women's soccer where that's happening too," she said.
16 min ago
"I'd do anything to be on that bus," US fan says
From CNN's Tara Subramaniam in Auckland, New Zealand
US fans gather outside the team's hotel in Auckland. Tara Subramaniam/CNN
Hours before the US Women’s National Team face Vietnam in their first match of the 2023 World Cup, fans gathered outside the players' hotel, hoping to catch a glimpse.
Pressed against the rope at the front of the crowd, a group of kids from Colorado, including John Nels Froelich, trained their eyes on the door, getting more eager every time someone walked out.
“I’d do anything to be on that bus,” Froelich said.
Froelich and his family are staying in the same hotel as New Zealand’s Football Ferns and he said many of them signed a jersey for him.
His father, John, said last night he was at the hotel bar and several members of the team were sitting nearby just watching the Costa Rica game on TV.
“It was crazy,” he told CNN.
38 min ago
Excitement is building in Auckland ahead of the game
From CNN's Tara Subramaniam in Auckland, New Zealand
World Cup fever is gripping Auckland as the US prepares to take on Vietnam at the city's Eden Park stadium.
Hours before the game, fans gathered outside the USWNT's hotel, hoping to catch a glimpse of the players.
Fans wait for the US players at their hotel in Auckland. Tara Subramaniam/CNN
"It’s like waiting for pop stars, like Taylor Swift," said one woman in the crowd.
Expectations are always high for the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) when the Women’s World Cup comes around, and this year is no different as the all-conquering team bids for an historic third consecutive title.
World Cup fever comes to Auckland. Tara Subramaniam/CNN
Saturday sees the US juggernaut open its campaign against World Cup debutant Vietnam, with a squad blending elite experience with exciting young talent.
Five members of the team – including stars Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe – were part of the successful campaigns in 2015 and 2019, while Alyssa Thompson and Trinity Rodman, already established stars in the NWSL, are making their first appearance at the sport’s showpiece event.
US and Vietnam fans head to the stadium. Tara Subramaniam/CNN
The burden of history could weigh heavily upon the US players, having won four of the eight official versions of the tournament to date as well as its previous 12 World Cup games, dating back to the 2015 group stage.
No country has ever won three straight titles in either men’s or women’s World Cup history.
Fans get their faces painted in team colors. Tara Subramaniam/CNN
Given Vietnam’s relative paucity of resources and experience compared to its Group E competitors — the US, Netherlands and Portugal — its chances of advancing from the opening stage are slim.
54 min ago
Vietnam faces a tall task against the USWNT
From CNN's Matt Foster
The last time the USWNT faced an AFC opponent at a World Cup, it ran riot, emerging as a 13-0 winner against Thailand in the 2019 edition in what remains the largest margin of victory in either women’s or men’s World Cup history.
Alex Morgan scored five times on that occasion — a similar glut against Vietnam seems unlikely but not impossible as the teams meet for the first time.
Vietnam faces a metaphorical mountain if the team is to make an imprint on the fixture.
The Golden Star Women Warriors qualified for the World Cup after reaching the quarterfinals of the Asia Cup for the first time in their history.
The squad boasts just one player plying their trade outside the country — star striker Huỳnh Nhu, who has racked up an impressive 67 goals in 103 international appearances and competes in Portugal’s top division for Länk FC Vilaverdense.
Given Vietnam’s relative paucity of resources and experience compared to its Group E competitors — the US, Netherlands and Portugal — its chances of advancing from the opening stage are slim.
Expect wild celebrations if the team scores at the tournament, particularly in the high profile contest against the USWNT, such as when Nguyen Thi Thanh Nhã, 21, grabbed a 92nd-minute consolation goal in a 2-1 defeat to Germany in a friendly in June.
1 hr 35 min ago
The USWNT squad is relying on youth and experience in its bid for a third straight Word Cup
From CNN's Ben Morse
The 23-player US Women’s National Team (USWNT) squad for the 2023 Women’s World Cup squad features a mix of new faces combined with some familiar ones.
Forwards Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, midfielder Julie Ertz, defender Kelley O’Hara and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher all have two Women’s World Cup titles to their names, while four others were part of the team’s 2019 success in France.
Alongside the experienced core — Morgan, Rapinoe and O’Hara become the 10th, 11th and 12th USWNT players to be selected for four or more tournaments — is a selection of players making their World Cup debuts.
Chief among those 14 first timers selected by head coach Vlatko Andonovski are 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson, who was recently the No. 1 overall pick in the NWSL draft, and Trinity Rodman, daughter of basketball great Dennis.
A selection of famous faces helped to announce the squad in June as the USWNT bids to win its third consecutive World Cup title.
From US President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden to singer Taylor Swift and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, a plethora of star-studded names appeared in a video on the USWNT Twitter page, accompanied with their own congratulatory message.
“For nearly 40 years, the US Women’s National Soccer Team has epitomized what it means to be a champion. From lifting trophies, to fighting for gender equity, these women have been a source of inspiration to Americans of all ages – our family included,” President Biden began the announcement video by saying.
The first lady added: “Joe and I can’t wait to watch this team soar at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Now, we’re so excited to help unveil the 23 players who will represent the USA in Australia and New Zealand.”
1 hr 35 min ago
How to watch the US Women's National Team take on Vietnam if you're in the US
From CNN staff
The US Women’s National Team arrives at this year's FIFA Women's World Cup tournament as the two-time defending champion and arguably the favorite to win an unprecedented third consecutive title.
The US plays its first match against Vietnam in Auckland, New Zealand, at 1 p.m. Saturday local time. For Americans watching from home, that's actually 9 p.m. ET on Friday.
In the US, the match will air on your local Fox channel. You can also stream the match by signing in with your TV provider at foxsports.com or on the Fox Sports app. Telemundo and Peacock are providing Spanish-language coverage.
According to sports data company Gracenote, the US is the favorite to win the tournament with a 18% chance of success.
Watching from elsewhere? A full breakdown of media rights holders in each country is available on the FIFA website.
56 min ago
This South Korean star almost quit soccer after a gender controversy. Now, she's set to play at the World Cup
From CNN’s Gawon Bae in Seoul, South Korea
If South Korean Park Eun-seon’s soccer journey has been a long and winding one, with plenty of ups and down, her inclusion in her country’s 2023 Women’s World Cup squad offers a moment of redemption.
The 36-year-old striker — nicknamed “Park-latan,” a nod to Swedish soccer great Zlatan Ibrahimović — has had a turbulent career; from joining the senior squad for the 2003 Women’s World Cup age 17 to considering quitting the game altogether due to controversy regarding her gender.
The veteran striker has defied the odds to travel to Australia and New Zealand to compete at this year’s World Cup and she’s hoping to get her chance on the pitch.
“It’s an opportunity that will never come again, so I want to get a goal that I can brag about later,” she told CNN.
“I want this to be an opportunity where I can make this come true,” she said of her World Cup hopes.”
The US Women's National Team begins its quest for an unprecedented third consecutive title when it takes on Vietnam in the FIFA Women's World Cup. Kickoff is at 9 p.m. ET.
The latest games saw victories for Spain over Costa Rica, and Switzerland against World Cup debutants the Philippines. Earlier, Canada tied with Nigeria.
Teams are competing in the opening group stage. Thirty-two squads will play at 10 venues across Australia and New Zealand, with the field gradually narrowing over the next four weeks.
Jessica Malone is in Auckland for her fourth World Cup. Tara Subramaniam/CNN
New Zealand is the 19th country geologist Jessica Malone has visited for a soccer game.
Malone, a Philadelphia resident, told CNN her hobby is "ground hopping", which she describes as "going to as many games all over the world as possible."
But, Malone says, she's often one of few women at these matches.
"This is a hobby that's very popular among European men because they can get to so many games," she said. "It hasn't been normalized that women might want to go watch men's or women's or travel for sport. So it's always interesting seeing people's reactions."
Malone says she loves attending women's soccer tournaments because it isn't seen as "weird" for her to attend.
"When I was in Russia [for the 2018 men's World Cup], I traveled by myself and got asked a lot why I was there, which is a funny question," she told CNN. "It's just a totally different vibe at women's tournaments because everyone knows like, 'oh, obviously you're here for this.'"
In Auckland, Malone said she's "here rooting for all women."
This is Malone's fourth time at a soccer World Cup. Her first was the 1999 Women's World Cup in the US, which she calls a "very formative event" in her life. She also attended the 2018 Men's World Cup in Russia and the 2019 Women's World Cup in France.
Her love of the "beautiful game" started with the 1998 World Cup, which she recalls watching with her family as a kid.
"I made my family name our dog 'Zizou' after that tournament," Malone told CNN, referencing star player Zinedine Zidane, who helped guide the French men to World Cup glory that year.
After attending the Women's World Cup the following year, Malone said: "Since then, I just I've always known this was my sport."
"Coming from the US where we're pretty America-centric, it really allowed me to learn a lot about the rest of the world and about other countries and other nations and the history of colonialism and all that stuff," Malone added. "I've always just looked forward to learning more and more about the rest of the world through the sport."
Trinity Rodman celebrates scoring against Wales in San Jose, California, on July 9. Brad Smith/USSF/Getty Images for USSF
Trinity Rodman, the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman, is all set to make her Women’s World Cup debut.
The 21-year-old is one of the many young stars being introduced to the squad which is bidding for its third consecutive title on the world stage.
It comes as many older players are coming to the end of their careers. Megan Rapinoe, for example, confirmed she would retire from the sport at the end of the season.
In 2021, Rodman made history after becoming the youngest woman ever selected in the NWSL draft. The then 18-year-old was drafted to the Washington Spirit as the No. 2 pick.
She was named Rookie of the Year later that year as she helped her team lift the NWSL title.
Rodman made her highly-anticipated debut for the national team in 2022 and looks set for an exciting international career.
The youngster scored twice in her team’s last friendly match before traveling to Australia and New Zealand, so she’ll be confident of shining on the biggest stage of them all.
From left: Livia, Randy, Laurenne and Lisette Moreland are back at a World Cup for the first time since 2016. Tara Subramaniam/CNN
Americans from coast to coast have made the trek to Auckland to support the reigning Women's World Cup champions as they seek a record third title.
The Moreland family, from Bethesda, Maryland, said they're excited to see how the team plays, given the dynamic between veteran players and many who are competing in their first World Cup.
"We love that the USA team has some of the old school teammates and the new roster. So we're really looking forward to seeing that transition," Laurenne Moreland told CNN.
Her family, which includes her two daughters, are among many such families in town for the tournament.
At the FIFA Fan Festival in Auckland, Adam from Austin, Texas, who asked to only be referenced by his first name, told CNN he's "looking forward to seeing the [US] women win."He's here with his wife and two daughters, including 12-year-old Cate, who thinks she's seen at least 50 professional soccer games in her lifetime.
Her mom Stephanie says soccer really wasn't on the family's radar until Cate started playing eight years ago.
Now, the family is at their second Women's World Cup. In 2019, they attended the US Women's National Team's famous 13-0 victory against Thailand in Reims, France.
"You would see Cate sort of just light up each time and then when we started thinking, OK, where's it gonna be four years from now? And Australia and New Zealand's just an awesome place to visit and a really fun adventure for our family," Stephanie said.
Cate, right, said her favorite US Women's National Team player is forward Alex Morgan. Tara Subramaniam/CNN
Elanor Espey and her mom Katrina from Sacramento, were also in France during the 2019 Women's World Cup and watched games from the fan zone in Paris.
Elanor Espey told CNN she's looking forward to seeing "how the teams have developed in the past four years since the last World Cup."
"It's a lot more competitive this year, which is how it should be, because you know, in the men's World Cup, everybody is like anyone can win and I love that it's getting to a point in women's soccer where that's happening too," she said.
US fans gather outside the team's hotel in Auckland. Tara Subramaniam/CNN
Hours before the US Women’s National Team face Vietnam in their first match of the 2023 World Cup, fans gathered outside the players' hotel, hoping to catch a glimpse.
Pressed against the rope at the front of the crowd, a group of kids from Colorado, including John Nels Froelich, trained their eyes on the door, getting more eager every time someone walked out.
“I’d do anything to be on that bus,” Froelich said.
Froelich and his family are staying in the same hotel as New Zealand’s Football Ferns and he said many of them signed a jersey for him.
His father, John, said last night he was at the hotel bar and several members of the team were sitting nearby just watching the Costa Rica game on TV.
“It was crazy,” he told CNN.
World Cup fever is gripping Auckland as the US prepares to take on Vietnam at the city's Eden Park stadium.
Hours before the game, fans gathered outside the USWNT's hotel, hoping to catch a glimpse of the players.
Fans wait for the US players at their hotel in Auckland. Tara Subramaniam/CNN
"It’s like waiting for pop stars, like Taylor Swift," said one woman in the crowd.
Expectations are always high for the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) when the Women’s World Cup comes around, and this year is no different as the all-conquering team bids for an historic third consecutive title.
World Cup fever comes to Auckland. Tara Subramaniam/CNN
Saturday sees the US juggernaut open its campaign against World Cup debutant Vietnam, with a squad blending elite experience with exciting young talent.
Five members of the team – including stars Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe – were part of the successful campaigns in 2015 and 2019, while Alyssa Thompson and Trinity Rodman, already established stars in the NWSL, are making their first appearance at the sport’s showpiece event.
US and Vietnam fans head to the stadium. Tara Subramaniam/CNN
The burden of history could weigh heavily upon the US players, having won four of the eight official versions of the tournament to date as well as its previous 12 World Cup games, dating back to the 2015 group stage.
No country has ever won three straight titles in either men’s or women’s World Cup history.
Fans get their faces painted in team colors. Tara Subramaniam/CNN
Given Vietnam’s relative paucity of resources and experience compared to its Group E competitors — the US, Netherlands and Portugal — its chances of advancing from the opening stage are slim.
The last time the USWNT faced an AFC opponent at a World Cup, it ran riot, emerging as a 13-0 winner against Thailand in the 2019 edition in what remains the largest margin of victory in either women’s or men’s World Cup history.
Alex Morgan scored five times on that occasion — a similar glut against Vietnam seems unlikely but not impossible as the teams meet for the first time.
Vietnam faces a metaphorical mountain if the team is to make an imprint on the fixture.
The Golden Star Women Warriors qualified for the World Cup after reaching the quarterfinals of the Asia Cup for the first time in their history.
The squad boasts just one player plying their trade outside the country — star striker Huỳnh Nhu, who has racked up an impressive 67 goals in 103 international appearances and competes in Portugal’s top division for Länk FC Vilaverdense.
Given Vietnam’s relative paucity of resources and experience compared to its Group E competitors — the US, Netherlands and Portugal — its chances of advancing from the opening stage are slim.
Expect wild celebrations if the team scores at the tournament, particularly in the high profile contest against the USWNT, such as when Nguyen Thi Thanh Nhã, 21, grabbed a 92nd-minute consolation goal in a 2-1 defeat to Germany in a friendly in June.
The 23-player US Women’s National Team (USWNT) squad for the 2023 Women’s World Cup squad features a mix of new faces combined with some familiar ones.
Forwards Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, midfielder Julie Ertz, defender Kelley O’Hara and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher all have two Women’s World Cup titles to their names, while four others were part of the team’s 2019 success in France.
Alongside the experienced core — Morgan, Rapinoe and O’Hara become the 10th, 11th and 12th USWNT players to be selected for four or more tournaments — is a selection of players making their World Cup debuts.
Chief among those 14 first timers selected by head coach Vlatko Andonovski are 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson, who was recently the No. 1 overall pick in the NWSL draft, and Trinity Rodman, daughter of basketball great Dennis.
A selection of famous faces helped to announce the squad in June as the USWNT bids to win its third consecutive World Cup title.
From US President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden to singer Taylor Swift and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, a plethora of star-studded names appeared in a video on the USWNT Twitter page, accompanied with their own congratulatory message.
“For nearly 40 years, the US Women’s National Soccer Team has epitomized what it means to be a champion. From lifting trophies, to fighting for gender equity, these women have been a source of inspiration to Americans of all ages – our family included,” President Biden began the announcement video by saying.
The first lady added: “Joe and I can’t wait to watch this team soar at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Now, we’re so excited to help unveil the 23 players who will represent the USA in Australia and New Zealand.”
The US Women’s National Team arrives at this year's FIFA Women's World Cup tournament as the two-time defending champion and arguably the favorite to win an unprecedented third consecutive title.
The US plays its first match against Vietnam in Auckland, New Zealand, at 1 p.m. Saturday local time. For Americans watching from home, that's actually 9 p.m. ET on Friday.
In the US, the match will air on your local Fox channel. You can also stream the match by signing in with your TV provider at foxsports.com or on the Fox Sports app. Telemundo and Peacock are providing Spanish-language coverage.
According to sports data company Gracenote, the US is the favorite to win the tournament with a 18% chance of success.
Watching from elsewhere? A full breakdown of media rights holders in each country is available on the FIFA website.
If South Korean Park Eun-seon’s soccer journey has been a long and winding one, with plenty of ups and down, her inclusion in her country’s 2023 Women’s World Cup squad offers a moment of redemption.
The 36-year-old striker — nicknamed “Park-latan,” a nod to Swedish soccer great Zlatan Ibrahimović — has had a turbulent career; from joining the senior squad for the 2003 Women’s World Cup age 17 to considering quitting the game altogether due to controversy regarding her gender.
The veteran striker has defied the odds to travel to Australia and New Zealand to compete at this year’s World Cup and she’s hoping to get her chance on the pitch.
“It’s an opportunity that will never come again, so I want to get a goal that I can brag about later,” she told CNN.
“I want this to be an opportunity where I can make this come true,” she said of her World Cup hopes.”
