Teams are starting to arrive in Winnipeg as the beginning of FIFA Women’s World Cup draws near.
Eager crowds of young soccer players cheered on Team USA as they arrived in Winnipeg on Tuesday evening.
The coach of one team, the St. Charles Force, said they postponed a game to be there.
Team USA is the first international team to arrive in Winnipeg for the tournament.
Sweden, Nigeria, and Australia round out the group that will play in Winnipeg.
All four teams are considered strong, and will face tough matches against one another.
Team USA in particular is expected to be a top contender.
“I think we’re all anxious. We’re so happy to be here in Canada. I think it’s… the build-up has been extremely long since we’re just a hop, skip, and a jump away. But we’re really looking forward to it and we know that there’s a lot on the line and we’re going to go after it,” said Team USA mid-fielder Carli Lloyd.
During the tournament, 24 teams from across the world will play games in six Canadian cities.
Vancouver, Edmonton, Ottawa, Montreal, and Moncton also host FIFA World Cup games.
The tournament opens on Saturday, June 6thin Edmonton with a match between Canada and China.
Winnipeggers will get their first glimpse of action on Monday, June 8th, when Sweden squares off against Nigeria.
