As the FIFA Women’s World Cup travels to the southern hemisphere for the first time, New Zealand looks to become just the second team ever to win the tournament as a host country. The feat has only been accomplished once before, when the storied U.S. Women’s National Team won its second title at the 1999 fixture hosted in Pasadena, California.

As the FIFA Women’s World Cup travels to the southern hemisphere for the first time, New Zealand looks to become just the second team ever to win the tournament as a host country. The feat has only been accomplished once before, when the storied U.S. Women’s National Team won its second title at the 1999 fixture hosted in Pasadena, California.2023 marks the fifth consecutive appearance for the Football Ferns and their sixth overall, as they appeared in the inaugural Women’s World Cup in 1991. Though they have featured in the tournament many times, the team remains in search of its first tournament win. Among those looking to guide New Zealand to victory is Angel City FC defender Ali Riley. Riley, who serves as club captain for the LA-based expansion club, will also don the captain’s armband for the Football Ferns in 2023 as she did for the 2019 World Cup. Having appeared on every World Cup roster for the Football Ferns since making the team as a 19-year-old in 2007, Riley will play another pivotal role in this year’s tournament as one of two NWSL players set to compete in her fifth World Cup fixture. A dual New Zealand and U.S. citizen, Riley cemented her legend status with the Football Ferns in February when she became just the second player to reach 150 caps for the team. New Zealand kicks off the tournament alongside co-host Australia Thursday, July 20th against Group A opponent Norway in what is expected to be the largest crowd for a soccer match in the country’s history. Kickoff is slated for 3 a.m. ET.