World Cup Fast Facts

Here’s a look at the World Cup football (soccer) tournaments. The World Cup is organized by FIFA, the Federation Internationale de Football Association. Men’s and women’s tournaments are held every four years.

November 20-December 18, 2022 - The Men’s World Cup is set to take place in Qatar.

July 10-August 20, 2023 - The Women’s World Cup is scheduled to take place in Australia and New Zealand.

June 7-July 7, 2019 - The Women’s World Cup takes place in France. USA defeats the Netherlands 2-0 to become the only country to win four Women’s World Cup championships.

June 14-July 15, 2018 - The Men’s World Cup takes place in Russia. France defeats Croatia 4-2 in the championship game to win its second World Cup.

Other Facts

The Golden Ball award is presented to the most outstanding player at each World Cup finals, as decided by the FIFA Technical Study.
Men’s 2018 Winner: Luka Modric (Croatia)
Women’s 2019 Winner: Megan Rapinoe (USA)

The Golden Boot award is presented to the top goal scorer at every World Cup final.
Men’s 2018 Winner: Harry Kane (England)
Women’s 2019 Winner: Megan Rapinoe (USA)

The Golden Glove award is presented to the tournament’s most outstanding goalkeeper.
Men’s 2018 Winner: Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)
Women’s 2019 Winner: Sari van Veenendaal (Netherlands)

The Young Player award is presented to the player aged 21 or younger recognized as making the biggest impact at the World Cup.
Men’s 2018 Winner: Kylian Mbappe (France)
Women’s 2019 Winner: Giulia Gwinn (Germany)

Teams with the most World Cup titles:
Men’s: Brazil has won five times - 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002
Women’s: USA has won four times - 1991, 1999, 2015 and 2019

Football kits (uniforms) are often designed using the country’s national colors. While some countries use the colors from their flags, others use colors that have historical, political or geographical meaning.

gallery

The most stylish football kits of World Cup 2018

Men’s

Thirty-two teams currently participate in the World Cup. In 2026, 48 teams will participate.

A phase called the “Preliminary Competition” takes place in the three years preceding each World Cup, where national teams must compete in qualifying matches to be eligible for one of the 31 available slots. The host nation automatically qualifies to enter.

In the group stage, the teams are drawn into eight groups of four teams each at the beginning of the tournament. After playing in round-robin matches, the top two teams in each group advance to the second round group of 16 teams, which play in successive knock-out rounds to reach the final tournament.

3.57 billion people worldwide watched the 2018 World Cup.

World rankings by country

2018 World Cup Statistics

Women’s

Twenty-four teams currently participate in the Women’s World Cup. The number will rise to 32 teams in 2023.

In the preliminary round, national teams compete in qualifying matches to be eligible for one of the 23 available slots. The host nation automatically qualifies to enter.

In the group stage, the teams are drawn into six groups of four teams each at the beginning of the tournament. After playing in round-robin matches, the top two teams in each group plus the four best third-place teams advance to the second round group of 16 teams, which play in successive knock-out rounds to reach the final tournament.

1.12 billion people worldwide watched the 2019 World Cup.

The 2015 World Cup final match was the most-watched soccer event in US television history (men’s or women’s) with approximately 26.7 million viewers.

World rankings by country

2019 World Cup in numbers

Timeline

July 13-30, 1930 - Uruguay hosts the first World Cup (men’s). Thirteen teams compete, and Uruguay wins the tournament, defeating Argentina. Team USA places third.

1942 and 1946 - The men’s tournament is not held because of World War II. Play resumes in 1950.

November 16-30, 1991 - China hosts the first Women’s World Cup, initially known as the FIFA World Championship for Women’s Football for the M&M’s Cup. Team USA defeats Norway in the final match.

May 26, 2003 - Due to an outbreak of SARS, FIFA announces it will move the women’s tournament from China to the United States.

December 2, 2010 - The winning bids for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals (men’s) are announced. Russia is named host of the 2018 tournament, and Qatar is selected for 2022, winning out over the United States, Japan and Australia.

2013 - As Brazil preps for the 2014 World Cup, at least five workers are killed in construction accidents in 2013. Thousands of protesters clash with police during the early summer, and the unrest continues throughout the year leading up to the tournament.

January 10, 2017 - The FIFA Council agrees to expand the men’s World Cup tournament, increasing the number of teams from 32 to 48. The new format will start in 2026.

June 13, 2018 - The joint bid between Canada, Mexico and the United States wins the right to host the 2026 World Cup. It will be the first time the World Cup will be shared by three host nations.

March 14, 2019 - The results of a feasibility study show the potential for expanding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to increase the current format from a 32 to a 48-team format. World football’s governing body has already agreed that the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly held by the US, Canada and Mexico, will feature 48 teams. The final decision will be made in June.

May 22, 2019 - The FIFA Council announces that the number of teams for the 2022 World Cup will remain at 32.

July 31, 2019 - The FIFA Council announces that the number of teams for the 2023 Women’s World Cup will increase from 24 to 32.

April 9, 2020 - FIFA announces that the men’s FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking is static as 2022 qualifiers are postponed while the Covid-19 pandemic is battled gobally.

June 25, 2020 - FIFA announces that Australia and New Zealand will co-host the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the first to be held in the southern hemisphere.

June 16, 2022 - FIFA announces the host cities for the 2026 World Cup. Matches will be held in 11 US cities as well as three host sites in Mexico and two in Canada: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Guadalajara, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, Monterrey, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver. It is the first time matches will be played in three countries.

August 11, 2022 - The 2022 tournament will begin on November 20, a day earlier than previously scheduled, following a unanimous decision by the FIFA Council. This will allow Qatar, the host nation, to play the first game when it faces Ecuador.

The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team celebrates after winning the Women's World Cup on Sunday, July 5, in Vancouver, Canada. The United States defeated Japan with a final score of 5-2. Click through the gallery to see tournament highlights:

Alex Morgan of the United States celebrates the impressive win.

Megan Rapinoe of the United States and Homare Sawa of Japan fight for the ball.

Japan goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori allows a third goal to United States' Carli Lloyd during the first half.

Japanese football fans react to a U.S. goal at a public screening of the game in Tokyo.

U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo watches as American Julie Johnston and Homare Sawa of Japan battle for a header during the second half.

Alex Morgan of the United States controls the ball in the second half.

Hope Solo allows a goal during the second half.

Japan's Yuki Ogimi of Japan scores a goal during the first half.

Homare Sawa vies with Abby Wambach.

England celebrates a penalty kick goal against Germany during extra time at the Women's World Cup soccer third-place match in Edmonton, Alberta, on Saturday, July 4. England defeated Germany with a final score of 1-0.

England's Katie Chapman knocks down Germany's Sara Dabritz during the second half of the Women's World Cup soccer third-place match on Saturday.

England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley makes a save against Germany during second-half action on Saturday, July 4.

Japanese players celebrate their first-half goal against England during a Women's World Cup semifinal on Wednesday, July 1. Japan, the defending World Cup champions, won 2-1 after a late-minute own goal by England's Laura Bassett.

England's Josanne Potter, right, consoles Bassett after the whistle.

Yuki Ogimi of Japan battles through two England defenders.

England's Katie Chapman, center, congratulates Fara Williams after Williams tied the score on a penalty kick. Both teams traded penalty-kick goals before Bassett's own goal.

Jill Scott of England and Azusa Iwashimizu of Japan slide in for the ball.

English goalkeeper Karen Bardsley hangs from the crossbar.

Japan's Nahomi Kawasumi shields Chapman during the first half.

American Kelley O'Hara, center in white, celebrates after scoring a goal against Germany on Tuesday, June 30. The goal, late in the second half, clinched a 2-0 semifinal victory for the Americans. They will now get a rematch against Japan, the team that defeated them in the 2011 World Cup final.

U.S. midfielder Tobin Heath gets knocked over by Germany's Tabea Kemme.

Germany's Alexandra Popp, left, clashed heads with American Morgan Brian early in the match. Both players received treatment and returned to action.

German forward Celia Sasic reacts after missing a penalty kick early in the second half. It would have given Germany a 1-0 lead.

Alex Morgan of the United States is defended by Germany's Annike Krahn, left, and Lena Goessling.

England players celebrate a goal during their 2-1 victory over Canada in the Women's World Cup on Saturday, June 27. The victory in Vancouver, British Columbia, gave England its first-ever trip to the semifinals.

Canada's Christine Sinclair shoots the ball past English goalkeeper Karen Bardsley.

England's Jodie Taylor, left, celebrates her goal against Canada with teammate Jill Scott.

Japanese players celebrate a goal scored by Mana Iwabuchi (No. 16) during a match against Australia on June 27. It was the only goal scored in the quarterfinal match, which was played in Edmonton, Alberta.

Kyah Simon of Australia challenges Azusa Iwashimizu of Japan.

Australia's Caitlin Foord, left, and Lisa De Vanna try to keep the ball from Japan's Aya Miyama.

Samantha Kerr of Australia flies in the air as she is fouled by Iwashimizu.

U.S. defender Meghan Klingenberg stands over China's Wang Lisi during a match in Ottawa on Friday, June 26. The United States won 1-0 to advance to the semifinals.

China's Lou Jiahui collides with U.S. defender Julie Johnston.

U.S. midfielder Tobin Heath fights for the ball with China's Pang Fengyue.

U.S. forward Amy Rodriguez kicks the ball during the China match.

Johnston and China's Wang Shuang vie for the ball during the second half.

Germany's Simone Laudehr, right, is challenged by Jessica Houara of France during a quarterfinal match in Montreal on June 26. Germany advanced after winning a penalty shootout.

Germany's Nadine Angerer allows a goal on a penalty kick.

France's Claire Lavogez is consoled by head coach Philippe Bergeroo after she missed her penalty in the shootout.

French midfielder Claire Lavogez slides in on German midfielder Tabea Kemme.

France's Jessica Houara, right, trips Alexandra Popp.

Japan goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori dives for a save during a round-of-16 match in Vancouver on Tuesday, June 23. Japan defeated the Netherlands 2-1 to advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Dutch player Desiree van Lunteren heads the ball during the match against Japan.

Japan's Azusa Iwashimizu knocks the ball away from Lieke Martens.

Japan's Aya Sameshima shoots over the bar.

U.S. midfielder Megan Rapinoe is fouled by Colombia defender Angela Clavijo during a round-of-16 match in Edmonton on Monday, June 22. The foul was in the box, leading to a penalty that Carli Lloyd converted into a goal. The United States won the match 2-0 to advance to the quarterfinals.

Lloyd goes for the ball between Colombia's Stefany Castano, left, and Natalia Gaitan.

U.S. forward Abby Wambach kicks the ball away from goalkeeper Catalina Perez. Wambach was called offside on the play.

Clavijo stretches for the ball in front of U.S. midfielder Lauren Holiday.

Norway's Ada Hegerberg heads the ball during a round-of-16 match against England on June 22. England trailed 1-0 but came back to win 2-1 in Ottawa.

Norway forward Isabell Herlovsen, center, fights for the ball against England's Karen Carney, left.

England's Katie Chapman competes with Norway's Solveig Gulbrandsen.

England's Laura Bassett, left, chases Herlovsen in the second half.

Hegerberg vies for the ball with Lucy Bronze, left.

From left, Canada's Ashley Lawrence, Christine Sinclair, Josee Belanger and Rhian Wilkinson celebrate Belanger's goal against Switzerland on Sunday, June 21. Canada won the round-of-16 match 1-0 in Vancouver.

Canada's Melissa Tancredi tries to get a shot past Swiss goalkeeper Gaelle Thalmann.

Thalmann watches a shot deflect off the goal frame.

Switzerland's Ana Maria Crnogorcevic and Canada's Allysha Chapman collide during the first half.

Marie Laure Delie of France kicks the ball in front of Cho So-hyun of South Korea during a round-of-16 match June 21 in Montreal. France won 3-0.

South Korean goalkeeper Kim Jung-mi makes a save against France's Amandine Henry during the first half.

France's Eugenie Le Sommer celebrates a goal by teammate Marie-Laure Delie.

French midfielder Elodie Thomis leaps over South Korea defender Lee Eun-mi.

Australia's Laura Alleway, right, defends against Brazil midfielder Formiga during a match June 21 in Moncton, New Brunswick. Australia upset Brazil 1-0 to advance to the quarterfinals.

Fabiana of Brazil was given a yellow card after tripping Caitlin Foord.

Brazil's Marta slides into Elise Kellond-Knight.

Fabiana heads the ball above Australia's Katrina Gorry.

Chinese goalkeeper Wang Fei saves a shot during a round-of-16 match against Cameroon on Saturday, June 20. China defeated Cameroon 1-0 in Edmonton.

Cameroon goalkeeper Annette Ngo Ndom saves a shot on goal.

China's Wu Haiyan stops the ball.

Cameroon's Jeannette Yango and China's Wang Shanshan compete for a header.

Germany's Saskia Bartusiak, left, collides with Sweden's Sofia Jakobsson during a round-of-16 match in Ottawa on June 20. Germany won 4-1 to advance to the quarterfinals.

German forward Celia Sasic collides into Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl.

Germany's Anja Mittag takes a shot past Linda Sembrant.

German goalkeeper Nadine Angerer makes a save against a charging Jakobsson.

South Korean players celebrate after they defeated Spain 2-1 in Ottawa on Wednesday, June 17.

Eunsun Park of South Korea is challenged by Irene Paredes of Spain.

Eunmi Lee of South Korea and Marta Corredera of Spain chase the ball.

Hyeri Kim, left, and Yumi Kang of South Korea defend Alexia Putellas of Spain.

Hahnul Kwon and Younga Yoo celebrate as the ball goes into the net behind Spanish goalkeeper Ainhoa Tirapu.

Costa Rican defender Cristin Granados eyes the ball during a match against Brazil on June 17. Brazil won 1-0 in Moncton.

Costa Rica breaks through the Brazilian defense.

Costa Rican goalkeeper Dinnia Diaz competes for the ball.

Costa Rican midfielder Shirley Cruz during play.

Costa Rican midfielder Katherine Alvarado, left, and forward Maria Barrantes jump for the ball.

England's Steph Houghton, right, challenges Ingrid Vidal of Colombia during a match in Montreal on June 17. England won 2-1.

Leicy Santos of Colombia tries to move the ball past England defenders.

Colombia's Yoreli Rincon runs after the ball.

Fran Kirby of England tries to move the ball past Lady Andrade, right, of Colombia.

Colombia's Angela Clavijo and England's Toni Duggan chase the ball.

France's Marie Laure Delie, far left in white, heads her team's first goal against Mexico on June 17. France won 5-0 in Ottawa.

Eugenie Le Sommer of France scores her team's third goal.

Mexico's Monica Ocampo, right, and France's Jessica Houara battle for the ball.

Mexico's Greta Espinoza, right, takes o France's Gaetane Thiney during the second half.

France's Elodie Thomis, left, drives the ball past a Mexico defender.

Sweden's Therese Sjogran, right, and Australia's Emily Van Egmond battle for control of the ball during a match in Edmonton on Tuesday, June 16. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Sweden's Jessica Samuelsson, left, takes on Samantha Kerr of Australia.

Australia's Tameka Butt, right, and Sweden's Lisa Dahlkvist compete in the second half.

Australia's Kyah Simon, left, and Dahlkvist race for the ball.

Australia's Lisa De Vanna, right, and Sweden's Caroline Seger watch the ball.

Australian players celebrate the draw, which clinched a spot in the next stage of the tournament.

U.S. goalie Hope Solo makes a save against Nigeria during a match in Vancouver on June 16. The United States beat Nigeria 1-0.

U.S. forward Abby Wambach celebrates her goal against Nigeria.

Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala leaps past Lauren Holiday as she chases the ball.

Megan Rapinoe of the United States is knocked down by Ngozi Ebere, left, and Ukpong Sunday of Nigeria.

American defender Julie Johnston, left, and Nigeria's Courtney Dike compete for the ball.

Cameroon's Gabrielle Onguene, left, and Switzerland's Rachel Rinast compete for the ball during a Women's World Cup match in Edmonton on June 16. Cameroon won the match 2-1.

Cameroon's Aurelle Awona, left, celebrates with teammate Gaelle Enganamouit.

Rinast reacts as Jeannette Yango of Cameroon heads the ball.

Ramona Bachmann of Switzerland breaks past two Cameroon players.

Switzerland's Lara Dickenmann and Cameroon's Augustine Ejangue jostle for the ball.

Japan's Yuki Ogimi scores the only goal of the match against Ecuador on June 16.

Japan forward Shinobu Ohno and Ecuador forward Denise Pesantes compete for the ball.

Aya Miyama of Japan is tracked by Monica Quinteros of Ecuador.

Japan defender Yuri Kawamura, left, and Ecuador defender Ligia Moreira go for the ball.

Chinese defender Wang Shanshan, center, heads the ball between two New Zealand defenders during a match in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Monday, June 15. The match ended 2-2.

New Zealand midfielder Katie Duncan, second from left, collides with China forward Lou Jiahui.

Wang, right, celebrates after scoring China's second goal.

China midfielder Wang Lisi, left, and New Zealand defender Ali Riley vie for the ball.

New Zealand's Rebekah Stott, center, and Betsy Hassett celebrate Stott's goal.

The Netherlands' Anouk Dekker, left, and Canada's Ashley Lawrence chase the ball during the first half of a match June 15 in Montreal. The two teams tied 1-1.

Dekker kicks the ball in front of Lawrence.

Lieke Martens of the Netherlands and Canada's Josee Belanger compete for the ball.

Lawrence, left, celebrates her goal with teammate Allysha Chapman.

Norway midfielder Solveig Gulbrandsen, second from left, scores against Ivory Coast during a match June 15 in Moncton. Norway won 3-1.

Ivory Coast forward Ange Nguessan, left, holds off Norway defender Ingrid Moe Wold.

Norway midfielder Ingrid Schjelderup, left, competes for the ball with Ivory Coast forward Ines Nhrehy.

Norway forward Ada Hegerberg, right, scored twice in the match.

Germany midfielder Melanie Leupolz, right, and Thailand midfielder Silawan Intamee vie for the ball during a match June 15 in Winnipeg. Germany won 4-0.

Sara Daebritz scores a goal for Germany.

Thailand's Sunisa Srangthaisong prepares to kick the ball.

Lena Petermann celebrates with German teammate Melanie Behringer.

England's Karen Carney, right, gets a shot past Valeria Miranda and Cecilia Santiago of Mexico on Saturday, June 13. England won 2-1 in Moncton.

England midfielder Jill Scott, left, and Mexico midfielder Nayeli Rangel battle for the ball.

Mexican forward Renae Cuellar, right, competes with English midfielder Fara Williams.

England defender Laura Bassett heads the ball.

Spain's Celia Jimenez, left, leaps for the ball near Brazil's Tamires and Spanish goalkeeper Ainhoa Tirapu during a match in Montreal on June 13. Brazil defeated Spain 1-0.

Brazil's Andressa jumps over Virginia Torrecilla of Spain.

The ball rolls behind Brazilian goalkeeper Luciana as she makes a save.

French defender Laure Boulleau, right, shoots next to Colombian midfielder Carolina Arias during a match in Moncton on June 13. Colombia won 2-0.

Colombian midfielder Nataly Arias heads the ball.

France's Wendie Renard takes the ball from Lady Andrade of Colombia.

Costa Rica's Wendy Acosta, right, challenges South Korea's Ji Soyun during their 2-2 tie June 13 in Montreal.

Shirley Cruz of Costa Rica, right, challenges Kim Hyeri of South Korea.

South Korean goalkeeper Kim Jungmi dives as a shot by Costa Rica goes wide of the goal.

Costa Rica goalkeeper Dinnia Diaz comes out to knock the ball away from South Korea's Lee Geummin.

Jeannette Yango of Cameroon, left, and Yuika Sugasawa of Japan battle for a loose ball Friday, June 12, in Vancouver. Japan defeated Cameroon 2-1.

A shot by Cameroon gets past Japan goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori.

Saki Kumagai of Japan clears under pressure from Francine Zouga of Cameroon.

Cameroon's Gaelle Enganamouit is surrounded by Japanese defenders.

Therese Sjogran of Sweden, left, and Sydney Leroux of the United States chase down a ball during their scoreless draw June 12 in Winnipeg.

U.S. forward Christen Press, left, fights for the ball with Sweden defender Nilla Fischer.

Megan Rapinoe of the United States tries to hold off Sjogran.

Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl leaps over Leroux to catch the ball.

Ana Palacios of Ecuador is surrounded by Swiss defenders during a match June 12 in Vancouver. Ecuador lost 10-1.

Switzerland's Eseosa Aigbogun, right, and Ecuador's Nancy Aguilar go for a header.

Ingrid Rodriguez of Ecuador fails to prevent an own goal by teammate Angie Ponce.

Ecuador's Monica Quinteros, left, fights off Switzerland's Rahel Kiwic.

Ecuador's Mabel Velarde slides to take the ball away from Aigbogun.

Nigeria forward Asisat Oshoala, right, is challenged by Australia defender Steph Catley during a match June 12 in Winnipeg. Australia won 2-0.

Kyah Simon of Australia scores a goal past Nigerian goalkeeper Precious Dede.

Australia defender Laura Alleway heads the ball.

Nigeria defender Osinachi Ohale, left, and Australia forward Samantha Kerr compete for the ball.

From left, Canada's Karina LeBlanc, Sophie Schmidt and Josee Belanger wave to fans in Edmonton after a 0-0 draw against New Zealand on Thursday, June 11.

Canada's Kaylyn Kyle defends against New Zealand's Amber Hearn.

Schmidt leaves the field after play was temporarily halted because of lightning.

Canada goalie Erin McLeod makes a save.

Christine Sinclair of Canada and Betsy Hassett of New Zealand battle for the ball.

China players celebrate with supporters in Edmonton following their 1-0 win against the Netherlands on June 11.

Mandy Van Den Berg of the Netherlands, right, defends Tang Jiali of China.

Wu Haiyan of China heads the ball in front of Lieke Martens of the Netherlands.

Tang kicks the ball during the Netherlands match.

Martens, left, and China's Haiyan Wu compete for a header.

China's Shanshan Wang, left, tries to keep the ball away from Van Den Berg.

Anootsara Maijaren of Thailand, center, challenges Christine Lohoues of Ivory Coast during a Women's World Cup match in Ottawa on Thursday, June 11. Thailand won the match 3-2.

Nisa Romyen of Thailand tried to protect the ball from Lohoues, left, and Fatou Coulibaly.

Ange Nguessan celebrates after scoring the Ivory Coast's first goal.

Nguessan, left, competes with Thailand's Natthakarn Chinwong.

Germany's Anja Mittag, left, scores a goal past Norway goalkeeper Ingrid Hjelmseth during a match in Ottawa on June 11. The final score was 1-1.

Norway's Ada Hegerberg, left, is challenged by Germany's Annike Krahn.

Germany's Tabea Kemme, left, defends against Isabell Herlovsen.

Norway's Maren Mjelde, second from right, celebrates with teammates after scoring on a free kick.

Ingrid Schjelderup of Norway is challenged by two German defenders.

Brazilian players celebrate a goal scored by Marta during their match against South Korea on Tuesday, June 9. Brazil won the match 2-0 in Montreal.

South Korea's Kim Do-yeon tries to move the ball past Marta.

South Korean hoalkeeper Kim Jung-mi makes a save near Brazil's Cristiane.

Marta looks on during the game.

Tamires of Brazil challenges Jeon Gaeul of South Korea.

Spain's Natalia Pablos tries to dribble past Costa Rica's Carol Sanchez during a match June 9 in Montreal. The match ended 1-1.

Raquel Rodriguez Cedeno, right, celebrates her goal with her Costa Rican teammates.

Spain's Jennifer Hermoso watches Costa Rica's Diana Saenz head the ball.

Marta Corredera of Spain is challenged by Lixy Rodriguez of Costa Rica.

Mexico's Valerie Miranda, left, and Colombia's Lady Andrade battle for the ball during a match June 9 in Moncton. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Colombian midfielder Daniela Montoya, left, celebrates her goal with teammates Tatiana Ariza, center, and Natalia Gaitan.

Mexico forward Stephany Mayor eyes the ball.

Mayor jumps next to Colombian midfielder Carolina Arias.

Mexico's players celebrate their goal.

England forward Ellen White kicks the ball during a match against France on June 9. France won the match 1-0 in Moncton.

Jill Scott of England and Amandine Henry of France compete for a header.

French forward Eugenie Le Sommer is congratulated by teammate Gaetane Thiney after scoring the game's only goal.

England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley makes a save during the first half.

Japan's Yuki Ogimi directs a header during the first half of a Women's World Cup match against Switzerland on Monday, June 8. Japan won the match 1-0 in Vancouver.

Kozue Ando of Japan, bottom, is challenged by Caroline Abbe of Switzerland.

Swiss goalkeeper Gaelle Thalmann dives the right way but can't stop Aya Miyama's penalty shot in the first half.

Japan's Rumi Utsugi kicks the ball out of the air as she jumps above Switzerland's Fabienne Humm.

Megan Rapinoe of the United States celebrates June 8 after scoring the first goal against Australia in Winnipeg. Rapinoe scored twice in the match as the Americans won 3-1.

U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo makes a save in the first half.

U.S. forward Sydney Leroux slides into Australia's Servet Uzunlar.

Australia's Lisa De Vanna celebrates her first-half goal with her teammates.

U.S. forward Christen Press heads the ball.

U.S. captain Abby Wambach, left, controls the ball near Australian defender Laura Alleway.

Cameroon's Gabrielle Onguene, left, leaps into the arms of her teammates on the sideline after she scored against Ecuador on June 8. Cameroon won the match 6-0.

Ecuador's Nancy Aguilar, left, and Cameroon's Gaelle Enganamouit collide.

Cameroon's Jeannette Yango, left, and Claudine Meffometou Tcheno, right, collide with Ecuador's Giannina Lattanzio.

Ecuador goalkeeper Shirley Berruz makes a save during the second half.

Christine Manie of Cameroon jumps to avoid the tackle of Monica Quinteros.

Nigeria forward Asisat Oshoala, right, scores a goal against Sweden during a Women's World Cup match June 8 in Winnipeg. The game ended in a 3-3 draw.

Francisca Ordega of Nigeria scores past Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl.

Sweden's Linda Sembrant scores her team's third goal against Nigeria.

Sweden's Nilla Fischer heads the ball for her team's first goal.

Ordega fouls Sweden's Therese Sjogran.

Germany's Celia Sasic falls head first into the turf after a collision with Ivory Coast's Sophie Aguie on Sunday, June 7. Germany defeated Ivory Coast 10-0 in Ottawa.

Germany's Anja Mittag, top, reacts while scoring the sixth goal of the match.

Ivory Coast midfielder Rita Akaffou, left, battles Germany forward Alexandra Popp in the second half of the match.

Ivory Coast's Dominique Thiamale makes a save during the first half.

Germany goalkeeper Nadine Angerer kicks the ball away as Ivory Coast's Rebecca Elloh makes a challenge.

Norway's Isabell Herlovsen falls after a challenge from Thailand's Natthakarn Chinwong on Sunday, June 7. Herlovsen scored two goals as Norway defeated Thailand 4-0.

Norway's Lene Mykjaland, top, battles Thailand's Silawan Intamee for the ball.

Norway's Gry Tofte Ims, left, competes against Kanjana Sung-Ngoen of Thailand.

Norway's Ingrid Moe Wold tries to keep Chinwong away from the ball.

Dutch goalkeeper Loes Geurts, right, defends a corner kick against New Zealand on Saturday, June 6. The Netherlands won the match 1-0 in Edmonton.

New Zealand's Sarah Gregorius, bottom, and the Netherlands' Desiree Van Lunteren vie for the ball.

Stefanie Van Der Gragt, front, and Lieke Martens of the Netherlands battle for a header against a New Zealand player.

Geurts and New Zealand's Hannah Wilkinson collide.

Dutch players celebrate Martens' goal in the first half.

Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod makes a save against China in the tournament's opening match Saturday, June 6. The host nation won 1-0 in Edmonton.

Canada's Josee Belanger, right, defends Wang Shanshan of China.

China's Ying Li, left, is tackled by Kadeisha Buchanan of Canada.

Chinese goalkeeper Wang Fei tries in vain to stop a penalty kick by Canada's Christine Sinclair. The goal came late in second-half stoppage time.

Canada's Allysha Chapman looks to cross the ball as China's Tan Ruyin defends.

Canada's Melissa Tancredi wins a header.

Wang collects a ball with Sinclair close by.

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