The 5th Women's World Cup 2007

Sep 10-30, 2007 in China (Shanghai, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Chengdu and Tianjin)

2003 Champions - Germany

After several unofficial tournaments, such as the Coppa del Mondo 1970 (Italy), the Mundial 1971 (Mexico), the series of Women's Mundialito's 1982-1988 (Italy), the Women's World Invitation Tournament 1987 (Taiwan) and finally FIFA's Women's Invitation Tournament 1988 (China), FIFA started a World Cup tournament for women in 1991.

The final draw for the FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007 took place on Sunday 22 April in Wuhan, the largest city in central China. The line-up for the group stages of the global tournament, taking place from 10 to 30 September 2007, promises excitement and action galore for the 16 contenders and the fans.

In Group A, reigning world and European champions Germany face the challenge posed by Japan, England and Argentina. The Japanese will be appearing in their fifth successive finals after beating Mexico for a place among the elite, while the astute guidance of Hope Powell helped England stamp their passports to Asia.

Hosts China PR have landed in a similarly intriguing and challenging Group D, where the team led by new coach Marika Domanski-Lyfors will cross swords with New Zealand, Denmark and Brazil, for whom standout player Marta now has an impressive supporting cast. The free-scoring New Zealanders stormed through the Oceania qualifying section and will be hopeful of reaching the knockout stages. Nonetheless, the Chinese players will be confident of overcoming their first phase hurdle following their encouraging win over the FIFA Women's World Stars in yesterday's All Star match.

Group B will see Sweden and USA, silver and bronze medallists respectively at the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup, lock horns, while Nigeria and Korea DPR will also be vying to progress from the pool. And in Group C, Norway have Ghana, Australia and Canada for company.

The Teams

The teams will be decided via national confederation tournaments as follows - 

AFC will be represented by Australia, North Korea; Japan (after playoff against Mexico) and China (as host nation).

CAF will be represented by two teams - Nigeria and Ghana from the the African Championship for Women's Football.

CONCACAF will have two teams - USA, Canada.

CONMEBOL will be represented by two teams - Brazil and Argentina. 

OFC will have 1 representative - New Zealand.

UEFA will have 5 teams - Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, England.

Background

Shanghai

Shanghai