Lionesses to play opening World Cup match in Brisbane next summer

England have been drawn in Group D, alongside China, Denmark and either Senegal, Haiti or Chile

Author: Liam ArrowsmithPublished 22nd Oct 2022

England's Lionesses will face China, Denmark and either Senegal, Haiti or Chile in the group stages of next summer's World Cup.

Sarina Wiegman's side will play their first match in Brisbane against the winner of an intercontinental play-off, with Chilie waiting to play either Sengal or Haiti.

The Lionesses' will be looking to improve their standing after an historic win at the Women's Euros this year.

They also beat top team the USA in a friendly at Wembley, with England among the favourites to win.

China were the first team drawn alongside England and are the second highest ranked country in the group, having featured in the last two editions of the tournament and reached the quarter-finals in 2015.

Denmark were the highest ranked team in Pot 3 and make a return to the tournament having not qualified for the previous three editions.

The Republic of Ireland - making their World Cup debut - were drawn into Group B and will play hosts Australia on the opening day of the tournament in Sydney. Completing the Republic's group are Canada and Nigeria.

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