USA Women vs. Vietnam Women (Saturday, 2.00am)
© Reuters
The reigning champions USA Women will begin the defence of their World Cup trophy on Saturday when they go up against Vietnam Women in Auckland.
While the USA are looking to retain the silverware, Vietnam are aiming to give a good account of themselves as they make their first appearance at a men's or women's World Cup.
We say: USA Women 6-0 Vietnam Women
USA head into the tournament opener as the overwhelming favourites, and we expect them to live up to that tag by easing to a comfortable victory over Vietnam, whose confidence would have been dented by the heavy defeat to Spain last week.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Zambia Women vs. Japan Women (Saturday, 8.00am)
© Reuters
Zambia Women and Japan Women will begin their Women's World Cup 2023 campaigns when they face off in Hamilton on Saturday.
The Copper Queens are making their first appearance at a men's or women's World Cup, while Japan are one of seven countries to have featured in every edition of the tournament.
We say: Zambia Women 2-2 Japan Women
Although Zambia will go into Saturday's encounter as underdogs, we think that they possess enough quality in the final third to trouble Japan, and as a result, we believe that the two nations will begin the tournament with an entertaining draw.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
England Women vs. Haiti Women (Saturday, 10.30am)
© Reuters
European champions England Women will kick off their Women's World Cup 2023 campaign on Saturday when they face Haiti Women at Brisbane Stadium.
England are making their fifth World Cup appearance, while Haiti are preparing to compete at the tournament for the very first time.
We say: England Women 4-0 Haiti Women
England are heavy favourites to win Saturday's contest, and with a abundance of quality in their ranks, we think they will brush past Haiti to begin their World Cup campaign with a comfortable victory.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Denmark Women vs. China PR Women (Saturday, 1.00pm)
© Reuters
In their first match of the Women's World Cup 2023, Denmark Women will go up against China PR Women at the Perth Rectangular Stadium.
While Denmark are appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 2017, China are attending the tournament for a third consecutive time.
We say: Denmark Women 1-1 China PR Women
With only one place separating Denmark and China in the FIFA World Rankings, we expect Saturday's encounter to be an cagey affair, and we think both countries may have to be content with a share of the spoils.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Barney Corkhill
