The FIFA Women’s World Cup is set to kick off this week in Australia and New Zealand. While many folks’ eyes will be on the United States Women’s National Team and its bid for an unprecedented third straight World Cup win, there are 31 other nations involved in the 2023 event, the largest ever for a Women’s World Cup.
Furthermore, two Kansas City Current players are in action at the World Cup representing their respective countries: Debinha with Brazil and the newly signed Stine Ballisager Pedersen with Denmark.
Here’s how you can keep Current with the Current’s representation at the Women’s World Cup:
Debinha — Brazil
As expected, Debinha will be a crucial figure for Brazil as the squad searches for its first Women’s World Cup win in its country’s illustrious history. Surrounded by world-class players like Marta, Kerolin, Rafaelle Souza, and Geyse, the Canarinhas are poised to make a run in this summer’s tournament.
Marta, one of the greatest soccer players of all time, occupies the “number 10” role, pushing Debinha into a higher space on the field than she usually occupies with the Current. In other words, she plays a little bit more off the ball. But her connection with Marta on the field is deadly and will undoubtedly produce some magical moments.
France is expected to be as strong as ever in Brazil’s group despite several key absences. Rounding out the group are Jamaica, in its second all-time World Cup appearance, and Panama, who is in the Women’s World Cup for the first time.
Here is when you can see Debinha and the Canarinhas:
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Monday, July 24: vs. Panama, 6 a.m. Central — FS1
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Saturday, July 29: vs. France, 5 a.m. — FOX
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Wednesday, August 2: vs. Jamaica 5 a.m. — FS1
Stine Ballisager Pedersen — Denmark
Stine Ballisager Pedersen has yet to play a match for the Current, but as soon as the World Cup ends for Denmark, she’ll be on her way to Kansas City. The club acquired her via transfer from Norwegian side Valerenga at the start of the secondary transfer window. The fee the Current paid was reportedly the largest transfer fee Valerenga has ever received.
The veteran center back is one of the anchors on the Danish back line as the team embarks on its campaign in Australia and New Zealand. Ballisager has 43 appearances for her country and has even notched three goals.
Pernille Harder leads the Danes from the front. She is a two-time UEFA Women’s Player of the Year and has scored 70 goals in 141 appearances for Denmark. The team will need both to be on their game as Group D will provide a tricky test with England, Haiti and China.
Here is when you can get a first look at the Current’s newest signing and the Danes:
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Saturday, July 22: vs. China, 7 a.m. Central — FOX
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Friday, July 28: vs. England, 3:30 a.m. — FS1
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Tuesday, August 1: vs. Haiti, 6 a.m. — FS1