2023 Women’s World Cup Draw: African teams land tough groups

African countries set to take part at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia & New Zealand have landed in tough groups following the group stage draw conducted in Auckland on Saturday.

Nigeria, Zambia, South Africa, and Morocco were the direct entrants to the finals of the competition by virtue of being semifinalists at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year but Senegal and Cameroon could join them if they emerge victorious in their respective intercontinental playoff groups.

Reigning African champions South Africa have been paired with Sweden, Italy, and Argentina in Group G while Morocco, who lost 2-1 in the final of the WAFCON, are in Group H alongside Germany, Colombia, and South Korea.

Zambia, who finished third in the continental showpiece are in group C together with Spain, Costa Rica, and Japan with Nigeria occupying Group B where they will face off with Australia, Ireland, and Canada, perhaps a more favorable group on paper.

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If Senegal emerge victorious over Haiti and Chile, they will join England, Denmark, and China in Group D while Cameroon could join USA, Vietnam, and Netherlands in Group E if they see off Portugal and Thailand.

Full Groups

Group A: New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Switzerland

Group B: Australia, Ireland, Nigeria, Canada

Group C: Spain, Costa Rica, Zambia, Japan

Group D: England, Group B playoff winner (Senegal, Haiti or Chile), Denmark, China

Group E: United States, Vietnam, Netherlands, Group A playoff winner (Portugal, Cameroon or Thailand)

Group F: France, Jamaica, Brazil, Group C playoff winner (Taiwan, Paraguay, Papua New Guinea or Panama)

Group G: Sweden, South Africa, Italy, Argentina

Group H: Germany, Morocco, Colombia, South Korea