Hello and welcome to the 2019 Women's World Cup Rooting and Viewing Guide. This is meant to help you figure out who to cheer for in every single game during the tournament and give you a one shop stop for figuring out when every game is being played. If you'd like to find something that will give you a good preview of all the teams and groups, I'd recommend checking out Total Soccer Show's preview for each group. Grant and I will give you our rankings of who you should root for in each group as well as the total 24-team ranking for when we get to the knockout rounds, plus the schedule for every game.
Group A
Troy's Ranking:
1. Nigeria - This is obvious. By simply having the home jerseys they do, they deserve a top spot.
2. Norway - Norway sounds like you're saying No Way, which has unlimited pun potential.
3. France - I would've felt bad putting them last since they're both the hosts and they gave America the lovely Statue of Liberty.
4. The Republic of Korea - Apparently they don't like being called South Korea, which would've been nice to know before we made all our maps.
2. Norway - Norway sounds like you're saying No Way, which has unlimited pun potential.
3. France - I would've felt bad putting them last since they're both the hosts and they gave America the lovely Statue of Liberty.
4. The Republic of Korea - Apparently they don't like being called South Korea, which would've been nice to know before we made all our maps.
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1. Nigeria - As Troy said, Nigeria takes the top spot based on fashion alone.
2. France - They are the hosts, and they do have some lovely landmarks.
3. Norway - If this were skiing (or some other snow-related sport), they'd probably be the overwhelming favorites. Alas, it is not.
4. Republic of Korea - Since this doesn't say the Dictatorship of Korea, I'm assuming it's South Korea... unless I missed some big news.
Schedule:
Friday 6/7
France v The Republic of Korea - 3 PM, FS1
Saturday 6/8
Nigeria v Norway - 3 PM, Fox
Wednesday 6/12
Nigeria v The Republic of Korea - 9 AM, FS1
France v Norway - 3 PM, Fox
France v Norway - 3 PM, Fox
Monday 6/17
France v Nigeria - 3 PM, Fox
Norway v The Republic of Korea - 3 PM, FS1
Group B
Troy's Ranking:
1. South Africa - This is a nation that is home to both great white sharks and lions, so that's cool.
2. China - China has some amazing jerseys, especially their road kits.
3. Germany - GERMany? That doesn't sound very sanitary.
4. Spain - The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.
3. Germany - GERMany? That doesn't sound very sanitary.
4. Spain - The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.
Grant's Ranking:
1. South Africa - They're the most appropriately-named team in the field (I checked, and South Africa is, in fact, in South Africa) and they have a colorful flag.
2. Spain - While writing this, I thought the phrase "put some English on it" was "put some Spanish on it" for some reason.
3. China - China produces a lot of things, including those dope kits.
4. Germany - I like G a lot more when it tries to be itself instead of impersonating a J.
2. Spain - While writing this, I thought the phrase "put some English on it" was "put some Spanish on it" for some reason.
3. China - China produces a lot of things, including those dope kits.
4. Germany - I like G a lot more when it tries to be itself instead of impersonating a J.
Schedule:
Saturday 6/8
China v Germany - 9 AM, FS1
South Africa v Spain - Noon, Fox
Wednesday 6/12
Germany v Spain - Noon, Fox
Thursday 6/13
China v South Africa - 3 PM, Fox
Monday 6/25
Germany v South Africa - Noon, Fox
China v Spain - Noon - FS1
China v Spain - Noon - FS1
Group C
Troy's Ranking:
1. Jamaica - Not only is this the first ever Caribbean team in the Women's World Cup, but they have the best kit combo out of any team.
2. Australia - The Football Federation Australia might have the coolest crest possible.
3. Brazil - So many colorful birds.
4. Italy - Italian food is just so good. Wait, why did I put them last in this group?
2. Australia - The Football Federation Australia might have the coolest crest possible.
3. Brazil - So many colorful birds.
4. Italy - Italian food is just so good. Wait, why did I put them last in this group?
Grant's Ranking:
1. Jamaica - Although they are strangers to the Women's World Cup (this is the first appearance for a Caribbean nation), Jamaica is no stranger to first place.
2. Australia - Australia has the misfortune of being in a group with Jamaica, pushing them to number two. But if these were solely animal-based rankings, the Land Down Under would win.
3. Italy - Italian food is too good for them to be ranked last, even in a tough group like this one.
4. Brazil - You know it's a strong group when the country with the world's longest beach finishes last.
Schedule:
Sunday 6/9
Australia v Italy - 7 AM, FS1
Brazil v Jamaica - 9:30 AM, FS1
Thursday 6/13
Australia v Brazil - Noon, Fox
Friday 6/14
Italy v Jamaica - Noon, Fox
Tuesday 6/18
Australia v Jamaica - 3 PM, FS2
Brazil v Italy - 3 PM, FS1
Group D
Troy's Ranking:
1. Scotland - Their national animal is a unicorn.
2. Japan - Where did you put the eggs? Ah, in the Ja-Pan!
3. England - It's their language, but apparently, they can't spell the words color or humor right.
4. Argentina - Don't cry for me Argentina!
2. Japan - Where did you put the eggs? Ah, in the Ja-Pan!
3. England - It's their language, but apparently, they can't spell the words color or humor right.
4. Argentina - Don't cry for me Argentina!
Grant's Ranking:
1. Scotland - Some things Scotland is known for include golf, alcohol and lake monsters. I'm in.
2. England - This country has some kooky sports.
3. Argentina - I had Argentina ranked last, but then I saw a photo of Buenos Aires.
4. Japan - I probably should have ranked them higher for giving us Pokemon.
Schedule:
Sunday 6/9
England v Scotland - Noon - Fox
Monday 6/10
Argentina v Japan - Noon, FS1
Friday 6/14
Japan v Scotland - 9 AM - FS1
Argentina v England - 3 PM - Fox
Argentina v England - 3 PM - Fox
Wednesday 6/19
Argentia v Scotland - 3 PM, FS2
England v Japan - 3 PM, FS1
Group E
Troy's Ranking:
1. New Zealand - The nickname for people from New Zealand is the Kiwis, and I appreciate that.
2. Canada - They'd be higher on this list if it wasn't for their stupid geese.
3. Cameroon - They could've been higher, but they're making me wait until 2021 for an Avatar sequel. What do you mean Avatar was directed by James Cameron and not the nation of Cameroon?
4. The Netherlands - Dutch, Holland, Netherlands? Pick a name already.
2. Canada - They'd be higher on this list if it wasn't for their stupid geese.
3. Cameroon - They could've been higher, but they're making me wait until 2021 for an Avatar sequel. What do you mean Avatar was directed by James Cameron and not the nation of Cameroon?
4. The Netherlands - Dutch, Holland, Netherlands? Pick a name already.
1. Canada - I'm 25 percent Canadian. I'm also 10 percent luck, 20 percent skill, and 15 percent concentrated power of will.
2. New Zealand - I heard a comedian say that New Zealand is the Canada of Australia. I like that.
3. Cameroon - This group rivals Group C in terms of toughness. Cameroon deserves better.
4. Netherlands: I heard that same comedian say the Netherlands is the most indecisive country, which means we have something in common.
Schedule:
Monday 6/10
Cameroon v Canada - 3 PM, FS1
Tuesday 6/11
Netherlands v New Zealand - 9 AM - FS1
Saturday 6/15
Cameroon v Netherlands - 9 AM, FS1
Canada v New Zealand - 3 PM, FS2
Thursday 6/20
Canada v Netherlands - Noons, Fox
Cameroon v New Zealand - Noons, FS1
Group F
Troy's Ranking:
1. The United States of America - I live here.
2. Chile - There is unlimited potential for puns involving Chile.
3. Thailand - I'm more of a Drumstickland man myself.
4. Sweden - The Swedish chef doesn't practice proper kitchen safety procedures.
2. Chile - There is unlimited potential for puns involving Chile.
3. Thailand - I'm more of a Drumstickland man myself.
4. Sweden - The Swedish chef doesn't practice proper kitchen safety procedures.
Grant's Ranking:
1. USA - 'Merica.
2. Chile - I just like saying "Chile".
3. Sweden - They have a famous chef who's known for his fish (I think).
4. Thailand - I prefer not wearing a tie unless I have to.
Schedule:
Tuesday 6/11
Chile v Sweden - Noon, FS1
Thailand v United States - 3 PM - Fox
Thailand v United States - 3 PM - Fox
Sunday 6/16
Sweden v Thailand - 9 AM, FS1
Chile v United States - Noon - Fox
Chile v United States - Noon - Fox
Tuesday 6/20
Sweden v United States - 3 PM, Fox
Chile v Thailand - 3 PM, FS1
Complete Ranking (and Completely Factual Fun Facts)
1. The United States of America - Americans eat about 100 acres of pizza each day, with about 3 billion pizzas sold annually in the USA. Take that Italy!!!
2. Jamaica - In 1688, the island nation became the very first British colonial territory to establish a postal service.
3. Nigeria - The country of Nigeria is home to the largest diversity of butterflies in the world.
4. Australia - Wombat poo, which coincidentally is the name of my ska band, is actually shaped like a cube.
5. Canada - Cheddar is the most popular cheese in Canada. On average, Canadians consume 23.4 pounds of cheddar per person annually.
6. New Zealand - In 1982, New Zealand appointed an official "Wizard of Christchurch" who was responsible for casting out evil spirits and cheering up the population.
7. South Africa - The country is home to the highest commercial bungee jump in the world at 710 feet.
8. Cameroon - 230 other languages are spoken in Cameroon in addition to their official languages of French and English.
9. Scotland - Scotland is home to the world's shortest commercial flight, just 1.5 miles long and taking only 47 seconds.
10. Chile - The oldest known deliberate mummy, one of the famous Chinchorro mummies, was found in the Camarones valley of Chile and dates back to 5050 B.C.
11. Norway - The cheese slicer was originally invented in Norway, so you can thank them every time Subway puts "cheese" on your sandwich.
12. France - Louis XIX is France's shortest-serving king, holding the throne for only 20 minutes.
13. Japan - The world's shortest escalator is in the basement of More's Department Store in Kawasaki, Japan, standing at only five steps or 32.8 inches high.
14. Brazil - The world's largest open-air garbage dump, Jardim Gramacho, was once found in the Brazilian city of Duque de Caxias.
15. China - The mortar that was used to bind the stones of the Great Wall was made with sticky rice.
16. Italy - Over half a million Italians visit an exorcist every year.
17. Sweden - Sweden is the biggest exporter of pop music by GDP in the entire world.
18. England - It is technically illegal to die in the British House of Commons, so if they're able to bring you back to life, you're going straight to jail.
19. Spain - The first known stapler was made in the 18th century in Spain.
20. Thailand - Chang and Eng Bunker, the first known conjoined twins, were born on May 11th, 1811, in a province near Bangkok.
21. The Republic of Korea - The Korean city of Boryeong is home to an annual two-week mud festival.
22. Argentina - Both the hottest and coldest temperatures ever recorded in South America occurred in Argentina.
23. The Netherlands - The Netherlands are famous for their tulips, but tulips originally didn't grow there. They were imported from the Ottoman empire in the 17th century.
24. Germany - During a visit to Deutschland, former US president John F Kennedy infamously said, "Ich bin ein Berliner," which directly translates to "I am a jelly donut". Same.
2. Jamaica - In 1688, the island nation became the very first British colonial territory to establish a postal service.
3. Nigeria - The country of Nigeria is home to the largest diversity of butterflies in the world.
4. Australia - Wombat poo, which coincidentally is the name of my ska band, is actually shaped like a cube.
5. Canada - Cheddar is the most popular cheese in Canada. On average, Canadians consume 23.4 pounds of cheddar per person annually.
6. New Zealand - In 1982, New Zealand appointed an official "Wizard of Christchurch" who was responsible for casting out evil spirits and cheering up the population.
7. South Africa - The country is home to the highest commercial bungee jump in the world at 710 feet.
8. Cameroon - 230 other languages are spoken in Cameroon in addition to their official languages of French and English.
9. Scotland - Scotland is home to the world's shortest commercial flight, just 1.5 miles long and taking only 47 seconds.
10. Chile - The oldest known deliberate mummy, one of the famous Chinchorro mummies, was found in the Camarones valley of Chile and dates back to 5050 B.C.
11. Norway - The cheese slicer was originally invented in Norway, so you can thank them every time Subway puts "cheese" on your sandwich.
12. France - Louis XIX is France's shortest-serving king, holding the throne for only 20 minutes.
13. Japan - The world's shortest escalator is in the basement of More's Department Store in Kawasaki, Japan, standing at only five steps or 32.8 inches high.
14. Brazil - The world's largest open-air garbage dump, Jardim Gramacho, was once found in the Brazilian city of Duque de Caxias.
15. China - The mortar that was used to bind the stones of the Great Wall was made with sticky rice.
16. Italy - Over half a million Italians visit an exorcist every year.
17. Sweden - Sweden is the biggest exporter of pop music by GDP in the entire world.
18. England - It is technically illegal to die in the British House of Commons, so if they're able to bring you back to life, you're going straight to jail.
19. Spain - The first known stapler was made in the 18th century in Spain.
20. Thailand - Chang and Eng Bunker, the first known conjoined twins, were born on May 11th, 1811, in a province near Bangkok.
21. The Republic of Korea - The Korean city of Boryeong is home to an annual two-week mud festival.
22. Argentina - Both the hottest and coldest temperatures ever recorded in South America occurred in Argentina.
23. The Netherlands - The Netherlands are famous for their tulips, but tulips originally didn't grow there. They were imported from the Ottoman empire in the 17th century.
24. Germany - During a visit to Deutschland, former US president John F Kennedy infamously said, "Ich bin ein Berliner," which directly translates to "I am a jelly donut". Same.
Knockout Round Schedule:
Round of 16:
Saturday 6/22
Team One v Team Two - 11 AM - FS1
Team One v Team Two - 3 PM - Fox
Team One v Team Two - 11 AM - FS1
Team One v Team Two - 3 PM - Fox
Sunday 6/23
Team One v Team Two - 11 AM - FS1
Team One v Team Two - 3 PM - Fox
Team One v Team Two - 11 AM - FS1
Team One v Team Two - 3 PM - Fox
Monday 6/24
Team One v Team Two - Noon - FS1
Team One v Team Two - 3 PM - Fox
Team One v Team Two - Noon - FS1
Team One v Team Two - 3 PM - Fox
Tuesday 6/25
Team One v Team Two - Noon - FS1
Team One v Team Two - 3 PM - Fox
Team One v Team Two - Noon - FS1
Team One v Team Two - 3 PM - Fox
Quarter-Finals:
Thursday 6/27
Team One v Team Two - 3 PM - Fox
Team One v Team Two - 3 PM - Fox
Friday 6/28
Team One v Team Two - 3 PM - Fox
Saturday 6/29
Team One v Team Two - 9 AM - FS1
Team One v Team Two - 12:30 PM - FS1
Team One v Team Two - 3 PM - Fox
Saturday 6/29
Team One v Team Two - 9 AM - FS1
Team One v Team Two - 12:30 PM - FS1
Semi-Finals:
Tuesday 7/2
Team One v Team Two - 3 PM - Fox
Team One v Team Two - 3 PM - Fox
Wednesday 7/3
Team One v Team Team - 3 PM - FS1
3rd Place Match:
Saturday 7/6
Loser of Semi-Final v Loser of Semi-Fina - 11 AM - Fox
Loser of Semi-Final v Loser of Semi-Fina - 11 AM - Fox
Final:
Sunday 7/7
Winner of Semi-Final v Winner of Semi-Final - 11 AM - Fox
Winner of Semi-Final v Winner of Semi-Final - 11 AM - Fox
To stay up to date on the newest Head in the Game articles (and general sports commentary), follow @headingameblog on Twitter. You can also find us on Twitter @T_RoyStory (Troy) and @G_Tingley (Grant)
