The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off this Thursday, and Washington Spirit have seven players across four countries who will be competing in New Zealand and Australia.
Figuring out how to watch World Cup games can be a frustrating experience, requiring the ability to convert time zones for start times and to divine which of the many television networks will be airing a particular game. Luckily, the District Press has you covered. Here are the times (Eastern) and ways you can watch all of the World Cup group stage games featuring Washington Spirit players:
Who’s going to be there?
The U.S. Women’s National Team has the highest number of Spirit players, with goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, midfielders Ashley Sanchez and Andi Sullivan, and forward Trinity Rodman all joining the USWNT in Group E. They will face Vietnam, the Netherlands, and Portugal in the group stage.
In Group B, Defender Gabby Carle will be representing her native Canada, while midfielder/forward Marissa Sheva will wear Ireland green. Nigeria and host nation Australia round out the group.
Finally, Spirit rookie Riley Tanner will play for Panama in Group F, against France, Jamaica, and Brazil.
How can I watch the games on tv?
| Australia vs. Ireland | Thu., July 20 at 6 a.m. ET | Fox Network, Universo, Peacock, fuboTV |
| Nigeria vs. Canada | Thu., July 20 at 10:30 p.m. ET | Fox Network, Universo, Peacock, fuboTV |
| USA vs. Vietnam | Fri., July 21 at 9 p.m. ET | Fox Network, Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, fuboTV |
| Brazil vs. Panama | Mon., July 24 at 7 a.m. ET | Fox Sports 1, Telemundo, Peacock, fuboTV |
| Canada vs. Ireland | Wed., July 26 at 8 a.m. ET | Fox Sports 1, Universo, Peacock, fuboTV |
| USA vs. Netherlands | Wed., July 26 at 9 p.m. ET | Fox Network, Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, fuboTV |
| Panama vs. Jamaica | Sat., July 29 at 8:30 a.m. ET | Fox Network, Telemundo, Peacock, fuboTV |
| Canada vs. Australia | Mon., July 31 at 6 a.m. ET | Fox Network, Telemundo, Peacock, fuboTV |
| Ireland vs. Nigeria | Mon., July 31 at 6 a.m. ET | Fox Sports 1, Universo, Peacock, fuboTV |
| Portugal vs. USA | Tue., Aug. 1 at 3 a.m. ET | Fox Network, Telemundo, Peacock, fuboTV |
| Panama vs. France | Wed., Aug. 2 at 6 a.m. ET | Fox Network, Universo, Peacock, fuboTV |
What if I want to go to a watch party?
If you prefer to go out to watch your World Cup games, Washington Spirit will be hosting watch parties at The Bullpen for the first two USA games, at 9 p.m. on July 22 and 26. Other bars that will show these two games in particular include Astro Beer Hall and Wunder Garten in DC, Tom’s Watch and Canton Local in Maryland, and O’Connells and O’Sullivans in Virginia.
The remainder of the games largely kick off in the early hours of the morning, but the DC Council has approved extended hours for bars for the duration of the World Cup, and a number of bars have registered their intention to take advantage of that. Not many of those have guaranteed they will be airing every match, (Toro Bar being a notable exception) so check with your favorite local establishment(s) to see if they will be open for a specific game.
Appreciate the info. But I’m shocked, simply shocked, that the DP would pay your way to bounce back and forth between NZ and Oz to cover these matches in person. That’s what happens when the Managing Editor is tight with the travel budget!
As part owner, I don’t think I would vote to approve that line item for myself!