WELLINGTON—Spain began their Women’s World Cup campaign in scintillating fashion by beating Costa Rica 3–0 in their Group C opener on Friday thanks to an own goal and first-half strikes from Aitana Bonmati and Esther Gonzalez at Wellington Regional Stadium. The teams had played out a draw when they faced each other on their World…

SYDNEY—How much of a role Sam Kerr can physically play for Australia at the Women’s World Cup remains completely uncertain. Even if her time on the sidelines with a calf muscle injury is extended, though, Australia’s iconic striker still has important role to play for the tournament co-hosts after helping to inspire the Matildas to…

There could be some some surprises at the Women’s World Cup. Sure, the U.S. is still considered dominant, and those elite European teams have developed even more with the rise of competitive clubs. Then there’s Brazil, which always seems on the verge of a breakout. But an expanded field of 32 teams at the tournament…

LONDON—Ten weeks after conquering Europe, England women proclaimed themselves ready for even more after beating the world champion United States 2–1 in a friendly at Wembley Stadium on Friday. Lauren Hemp and Georgia Stanway scored to help England beat the United States for the first time since 2017 and less than 10 months before the…

Two-time Women’s World Cup winner Carli Lloyd, one of the greatest women’s soccer players to ever grace the game, has announced her retirement, U.S. Soccer said on Monday. The 39-year-old Lloyd, who was twice named the FIFA Women’s Player of the Year, became the second-most capped player in world soccer history during a career that…