Lionel Messi’s triumphant leadership for the Albiceleste national team in Qatar still lingers, but the field is set for another exciting competition – the Women’s World Cup. The anticipated tournament will take place in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20. With Latin American talent shining bright, national teams from Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia are gearing up to compete against the world’s best. Meet the Latina players who have proven themselves to make a mark in the tournament.
RELATED:
When, where, and how to watch the 2023 Women’s World Cup
Inter Miami: Meet some of the women cheering for their partner on and off the field
Lionel Messi’s fans believe he passed his winning streak to Carlos Alcaraz through a handshake
Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s women’s team was enthusiastic about their recent arrival to New Zealand. Their first match will be on July 21 against Spain at the Wellington Regional Stadium.
@fedefutbolcrc
Raquel Rodriguez Cedeno
Costa Rica’s star player, is 29-year-old forward, Raquel Rodríguez Cedeño, known as ‘Rocky’. With more than 100 caps for her country, she was designated as the flag bearer for her team.
@fedefutbolcrc
Priscila Chinchilla
The talented Priscila Chinchill is a 21-year-old striker. At her young age she ‘s already had a long career in the Costa Rican national team, making her debut at 16.
@fedefutbolcrc
Sheika Scott
While most 16 year-olds are studying, Sheika Scott is playing professionally. At just 16 years old, this talented midfielder is the youngest face of the Costa Rican team.
@sheikaa_scott
Katherine Alvarado
Katherine Alvarado is an experienced 32-year-old midfielder and one of the biggest pillars of the team. Alvardao has been wearing the national team’s shirt for more than 15 years.
GettyImages
Brazil
The Brazilian team is one of the favorites to win the World Cup. The young and renewed team is made up of international players that compete in high-level leagues outside of Brazil. This talented team arrived in Australia on July 4, and will play their first match on July 24 at the Hindmarsh Stadium, facing Panama.
Thais Magalhães
Marta Vieira da Silva
Marta Vieira da Silva is a 37-year-old legend in Brazilian soccer. The striker has been recognized five times as the Best Player in the World, and has represented her country’s team in various World Cups. She plays for the Orlando Pride of the United States National Women’s Soccer League.
GettyImages
Kathellen Sousa
27-year-old Kathellen Sousa is a skilled defender. She plays for Real Madrid Club de Fútbol in the Spanish First Division.
@kathellensousa
Geyse Ferreira
At 25 years old, Geyse Ferreira, is part of the ranks of FC Barcelona in the Spanish Women’s First Division. The Brazilian player has is known for her speed, technical skills, and goal-scoring ability.
@geyse_ferreira
Gabi Nunes
26-year-old Gabi Nunes is known for her prowess as a forward. The Brazilian star is also the Madrid CFF of the First Iberdrola of Spain. Nunes is recognized for her excellent goal-scoring ability, agility, and technical skills.
@gabinunes11
Lauren Eduarda Leal
Lauren Leal is a young defender. The 20-year-old plays as a defender and is part of the Madrid CFF.
GettyImages
Panamanian women’s soccer team
This is the first women’s World Cup for the Panamanian team. The team obtained the last available pass last February by defeating Paraguay. They will start their journey with a challenge, facing Brazil on July 24.
GettyImages
Martha Cox
Panama’s star player is Marta Cox. The 25-year-old midfielder plays for the Pachuca Soccer Club of the BBVA Women’s League.
@marta_cox10
Riley Tanner
Born in the United States, but a Panamanian national, 23-year-old Riley Tanner is a forward. She plays for the Washington Spirit of the NWSL.
@rileytanner_12
Raquel Rodriguez Cedeno
Costa Rica’s star player, is 29-year-old forward, Raquel Rodríguez Cedeño, known as ‘Rocky’. With more than 100 caps for her country, she was designated as the flag bearer for her team.
GettyImages
Argentina
After the triumph of Lionel Messi’s national team in Qatar, it is the women’s team’s turn. They will play their first match on July 24 against Italy.
@fedefutbolcrc
Stephanie Banini
33-year-old midfielder S
tephanie Banini is considered one of the best Argentine players in history. She currently plays for Atlético de Madrid. This could be the last World Cup for Estefanía, who has made hints about it.
@estefibani_10
Yamila Rodriguez
Yamila Rodriguez is a 25-year-old forward, named among the world’s top 20 footballers at the 2022 Dubai Globe Soccer Awards.
GettyImages
Sophia Braun
Sophia Braun is a 23-year-old midfielder that plays for the León club in the women’s Mx League.
@sophiebraun8
Colombia women’s soccer team
Colombia participates for the third time in this prestigious tournament. Their biggest success came in Canada, when they reached round 16, before losing to the United States. This year they will play their first game on July 25 against Korea Republic.
GettyImages
Linda Caicedo
Linda Caicedo is the great star of the Colombian women’s team. She plays as a striker and according to the Globe Soccer Awards, is the second best player in the world, second to the Spanish Alexia Putellas.
GettyImages
Daniela Montoya
Daniela Montoya is a 32-year-old midfielder, and one of the most experienced players on her team, having already participated in two World Cups.
GettyImages
Leicy Santos
27-year-old Leicy Santos is a midfielder. She plays for Atlético de Madrid, and is a strong card for the Colombian team.
GettyImages
Maria Catalina Usme
Maria Catalina Usme is a 33-year-old striker. She has acted as captain and is a top scorer for the Colombian women’s team.
GettyImages