FIFA Secretary General Samoura reacts as Women's World Cup gets 32 participants

FIFA WWC FIFA Secretary General Samoura reacts as Women's World Cup gets 32 participants

Jidechi Chidiezie 21:24 - 23.02.2023

Portugal, Tahiti and Panama joined Nigeria's Super Falcons, and 28 other qualified teams this week.

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura has reacted to the completion of teams for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, scheduled to be held in Australia and New Zealand from July 7 to August 7.

As a result of their victories at the inaugural inter-confederation play-off tournament, Portugal, Haiti, and Panama secured passes to the ninth edition of Women's World Cup 2023, joining the likes of Nigeria, world champions United States, Japan, Brazil Morocco, and England.

All three teams, having defeated Cameroon, Chile and Paraguay in the bracket finals on Wednesday and Thursday, will be making their debuts at the expanded 32-team tournament.

2023 will be the first time that the Women's World Cup will play host to such a number after it was expanded from the previous 24, after the last Women's World Cup in France.

Samoura welcomes qualified teams

Reacting to the completion of the participating teams, Samoura stated that the trio of Portugal, Haiti, and Panama will bring colour and excitement to the competition.

“I am delighted to welcome Haiti, Portugal, and Panama to the final lineup of teams who will play at the ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup," the FIFA Secretary General said.

"All three teams will bring colour and excitement to the Tournament which will capture the imagination of fans around the world as women’s football goes Beyond Greatness in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand this July and August.”

Haiti, Portugal, Panama in Groups D, E, F, Nigeria in B

By virtue of qualifying, Portugal will head to Australia/New Zealand to join defending champions USA, 2019 runner-ups Netherlands, and Vietnam in Group E, while Haiti completes Group D which already contains European champions England, 1999 finalists China and two-time quarterfinalists Denmark.

Completed 8 groups for the 2023 Women's World Cup

Panama, who became the 32nd and final team to qualify, moves into Group F where they would face 2007 runner-ups Brazil, 2019 hosts France, and Jamaica.

Nigeria's Super Falcons are drawn into Group B of the competition with co-hosts Australia, Olympic champions Canada, and debutants the Republic of Ireland.