The USWNT touched down in Auckland, New Zealand, at around 7 a.m. local time on Tuesday, July 11. Now, with just 10 days to go until the USA Women's World Cup schedule begins with an opening match against Vietnam on July 21, the team needs to battle jet lag, adjust to the time difference and establish normal routines as soon as possible.
We’re heeeeeere!!!!!!
Auckland, New Zealand pic.twitter.com/n8iEXX4VKr— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 10, 2023
It's a pretty remarkable turnaround as just the other day Trinity Rodman's eye-catching brace was inspiring the USWNT to a 2-0 victory over Wales in their send-off game, but now they're in Auckland, where they'll train at Bay City Park while staying at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour.
Bay City Park — home of the local East Coast Bays Football Club — will be the training hub of the USWNT for the duration of the tournament. The squad gets exclusive access to the clubrooms and grounds with security in place, and the fields and dressing rooms have all been upgraded for the team's arrival.
The Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour is a five-star hotel that's "a seamless blend of French elegance within New Zealand's largest city."
All three of the USWNT's group stage matches will be in New Zealand with two in Auckland and one in Wellington.
While many teams have scheduled friendlies in Australia and New Zealand in the days leading up to the World Cup, the Americans are more than happy to practice amongst themselves — there's really no better training competition than the 23 members of the squad breaking into an 11-v-11 session.
USA Women's World Cup Schedule
Group E Match #1 vs. Vietnam
Date: Friday, July 21 | Time: 9 p.m. ET
Location: Eden Park, Auckland
TV: FOX
Group E Match #2 vs. Netherlands
Date: Wednesday, July 26 | Time: 9 p.m. ET
Location: Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
TV: FOX
Group E Match #3 vs. Portugal
Date: Tuesday, August 1 | Time: 3 a.m. ET
Location: Eden Park, Auckland
TV: FOX
Round of 16 vs. TBD (If USA wins Group E)
Date: Sunday, August 6 | Time: 10 p.m. ET
Location: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
TV: FOX
Quarterfinal vs. TBD (If USA advances)
Date: Friday, August 11 | Time: 9 p.m. ET
Location: Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
TV: FOX
Semifinal vs. TBD (If USA advances)
Date: Tuesday, August 15 | Time: 4 a.m. ET
Location: Eden Park, Auckland
TV: FOX
Final vs. TBD (If USA advances)
Date: Sunday, August 20 | Time: 6 a.m. ET
Location: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
TV: FOX