Here's how the teams line up for the 2023 Women's World Cup

The biggest FIFA Women’s World Cup ever kicks off Thursday in Australia and New Zealand with 32 countries competing in eight groups as they fight to claim football’s highest honor.

The biggest FIFA Women’s World Cup ever kicks off Thursday in Australia and New Zealand with 32 countries competing in eight groups as they fight to claim football’s highest honor.

Returning for its ninth edition, the Women’s World Cup takes on a new format this year with the number of participating teams increasing from 24 to 32.

The tournament initially had just 12 countries in 1991, but has gradually increased since then. The 2015 and 2019 World Cups both included 24 teams.

As with all international football tournaments, Europe leads the selection with 12 teams in action at the World Cup, followed by six from Asia, six from North and Central America and the Caribbean, four from Africa, three from South America and one Oceania.

In footballing terms, Australia is counted as an Asian country because it competes in the AFC, while New Zealand in Oceania’s OFC.

The format of the competition now matches the men’s World Cup, with teams divided into eight groups of four and only the top two teams advancing to the knockout stage. Previous editions of the tournament also saw some third-place teams advance to make up the numbers.

The United States have been by far the most dominant side in Women’s World Cup history, winning the competition four times in 1991, 1999, 2015 and 2019.

Three other countries have won the tournament before, with Germany crowned champions twice, and Norway and Japan claiming one title apiece.

As well as an increase in the number of teams, the prize money available has also grown, with FIFA raising this year’s total prize pool to $110 million from $30 million at the previous tournament.

The prize money increase came after FIFA considered the recent popularity increase in women’s football.

Women’s football has risen to bigger prominence in recent years, with 87,192 fans attending the Women’s Euros 2022 final between England and Germany — surpassing the amount of spectators for the men’s Euros final a year earlier by about 20,000.

The World Cup matches will take place across 10 stadiums in the two host nations.

Eden Park in New Zealand will host the opening game between New Zealand and Norway, while Stadium Australia in Sydney will host the final.

The first group stage games will run from Thursday through Tuesday next week, with the second week running from Tuesday next week through July 30 and the third week from July 30 through Aug. 3.

The knockout stage will then start on Aug. 5 and the final is set to take place on Aug. 20.

Korea, competing in Group H, will play their first game against Colombia on Tuesday at midday, or at 11 a.m. in Korea. The game will be broadcast on KBS, SBS and MBC.

Here's how the team's line up for the 2023 Australia-New Zealand World Cup.

Group A

New Zealand

Having won zero games in 15 World Cup matches, New Zealand’s spell as hosts also sees the country looking to secure their first-ever win in the tournament.

Key player: Ali Riley

Best finish: 19th (2015)

New Zealand's Ali Riley, left, kicks the ball during a friendly against Vietnam in Napier, New Zealand on July 10. [AP/YONHAP]

Norway After failing to reach the knockout stage at the Euros last year, Norway are looking to improve with their attack led by first female Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg.

Key player: Ada Hegerberg

Best finish: Winner (1999)

Norway's Ada Hegerberg stands on the field during a team practice at Seddon Fields in Auckland, New Zealand on Wednesday. [AP/YONHAP]

Philippines

The Philippines qualified for the World Cup for the first time and are keen to build on the momentum of their semifinal finish at the 2022 AFC Asian Cup.

Key player: Sarina Bolden

Best finish: NA

Sarina Bolden of the Philippines, left, celebrates after scoring against Malaysia at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Vietnam on May 6. [AFP/YONHAP]

Switzerland Switzerland arrive at the World Cup looking to reach the knockout stage for the second time with a mix of players from top European teams and newcomers who have shown good cohesion on the international stage.

Key player: Lia Walti

Best finish: Round of 16 (2015)

Arsenal's Lia Walti applauds fans after a game against Manchester United on April 19. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

Group B

Australia

Australia arrive at their own World Cup with a golden generation led by Chelsea star Sam Kerr that managed a fourth-place finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Key player: Sam Kerr

Best finish: Seventh (2015)

Australia's Sam Kerr crosses the ball during a friendly against France at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on July 14. [AFP/YONHAP]

Canada

With one of the best defenses on hand, Canada arrive in Australia as reigning Olympic champions looking for some World Cup silverware.

Key player:Christine Sinclair

Best finish: Fourth (2003)

Canada's Christine Sinclair competes for the ball with Trinidad and Tobago's Victoria Swift during a Concacaf women's championship match in Monterrey, Mexico on July 5, 2022. [AP/YONHAP]

Nigeria

Nigeria’s strength lies in a very robust attacking line. Having finished fourth at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Falcons are looking to go one step further at the World Cup.

Key player: Asisat Oshoala

Best finish: Seventh (1999)

FC Barcelona's Asisat Oshoala celebrates after scoring against Roma during a Women's Champions League quarterfinal game at Camp Nou in Barcelona at March 29. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

Republic of Ireland

Another World Cup first-timer, Ireland are keen to display what they have to offer in the tournament with solid defense led by Arsenal left-back Katie McCabe.

Key player: Katie McCabe

Best finish: NA

Arsenal's Katie McCabe, right, battles for the ball during a Women's Champions League semifinal match against VfL Wolfsburg at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 1. [AP/YONHAP]

Group C

Costa Rica

Another squad in their prime, Costa Rica are aiming to reach the knockout stage for the first time and ride their momentum from the qualifiers where they won all four games.

Key player: Raquel Rodriguez

Best finish:18th (2015)

Costa Rica's Raquel Rodriguez celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Panama during a Concacaf Women's Championship match in Monterrey, Mexico on July 5, 2022. [AP/YONHAP]

Japan

Having won their first and last World Cup in 2011, Japan are keen to repeat their success with a young squad untested on the senior stage but with U-17 and U-20 World Cup wins under their belt.

Key player: Yui Hasegawa

Best finish: Winner (2011)

Japan midfielder Yui Hasegawa moves the ball against Brazil during the first half of a match at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Feb. 16. [USA TODAY/YONHAP]

Spain

Spain are also veering toward a younger squad, but under the guidance of two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.

Key player: Alexia Putellas

Best finish: 12th (2019)

Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas eyes the ball during the first half of a SheBelieves Cup match against the United States in Harrison, New Jersey on March 8, 2020. [AP/YONHAP]

Zambia

Zambia join the World Cup as one of the African favorites despite their low FIFA ranking — 77th — having finished third at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.

Key player: Barbra Banda

Best finish: NA

Zambia's Barbra Banda, front, battles for the ball during a match against Brazil at the 2020 Summer Olympics on in Saitama, Japan July 27, 2021. [AP/YONHAP]

Group D

China

China are looking to continue a good run in the World Cup, where they have never been eliminated in the group stage. The team is fairly untested, however, having only managed two warmup games against Russia.

Key player: Wang Shuang

Best finish: Runners-up (1995)

Wang Shuang of China takes a corner during a friendly against Spain at Estadi Can Misses stadium in Ibiza, Spain on April 11. [XINHUA/YONHAP]

Denmark

Denmark return to the World Cup for the first time since 2007 with a mix of veterans and young players as they look to reach their first-ever semifinals.

Key player: Pernille Harder

Best finish:Seventh (1991, 1995)

Chelsea's Pernille Harder celebrates scoring their side's sixth goal during a Women's Super League match against Everton at Kingsmeadow in London on May 7. [AP/YONHAP]

England

England enter as the World Cup as one of the clear favorites as they look for a second title in a row after winning the 2022 Euros with a world-leading midfield lineup.

Key player: Keira Walsh

Best finish: Third (2015)

England's Keira Walsh gestures during a Women's Euro 2022 semifinal between England and Sweden at Bramall Lane Stadium in Sheffield, England on July 26, 2022. [AP/YONHAP]

Haiti

Having reached the World Cup after a victory over Chile in the playoff qualifiers, Haiti are here to make an impression. The Grenadieres managed a goal in their latest tune-up game, losing 2-1 to Korea.

Key player: Melchie Dumornay

Best finish: NA

Haiti's Melchie Dumornay, left, fights for the ball with Korea's Ji So-yun during a friendly at Seoul World Cup Stadium in central Seoul on July 8. [AP/YONHAP]

Group ENetherlands

After finishing third at the 2022 Euros, the Netherlands join the World Cup with an impressive squad in both defense and attack.

Key player: Jill Roord

Best finish: Runners-up (2019)

Wolfsburg's Jill Roord celebrates after scoring during a UEFA Women's Champions League semifinal against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 1. [EPA/YONHAP]

Portugal

This will be Portugal’s first World Cup, so the seasoned squad is hungry to prove that they have what it takes to make it on the international stage.

Key player: Jessica Silva

Best finish: NA

Portugal's Jessica Silva reacts during a friendly against England at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, England on July 1. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

United States

Defending champions USA have never finished lower than third at the World Cup, but the absence of a few key players due to injury may cause trouble as they look for a third straight win.

Key player: Alex Morgan

Best finish: Winner (1991, 1999, 2015, 2019)

United States forward Alex Morgan reaches to control the ball during the first half of a SheBelieves Cup match against Brazil in Frisco, Texas on Feb. 22. [AP/YONHAP]

Vietnam

Vietnam enter their first World Cup in good form, having won the South East Asia Games four times in a row. The team likes to lead their attacks from the wings, relying on their speed and agility.

Key player: Huynh Nhu

Best finish: NA

Vietnam women's football captain Huynh Nhu celebrates during a game during the SEA Games in May, 2022. [FIFA]

Group F

Brazil

After winning last year’s Copa America, Brazil are looking for more silverware in the World Cup with a good combination of veterans and young players.

Key player: Marta

Best finish: Runners-up (2007)

Brazil's Marta reacts during a friendly against Chile at Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia, Brazil on July 2. [AP/YONHAP]

France

France is another favorite, having won all 10 matches on the road to the World Cup. A fairly experienced squad, France is still looking for its first World Cup title.

Key player:Wendie Renard

Best finish: Fourth (2011)

France's Wendie Renard reacts during a Women's Euros 2022 semifinal against Germany at MK Stadium in Milton Keynes, England on July 27, 2022. [AP/YONHAP]

Jamaica

With a squad filled with speedy players and forwards with good decisiveness, Jamaica joins the World Cup looking to improve on a disappointing finish in 2019.

Key player:Khadija Shaw

Best finish: 23rd (2019)

Jamaica's Khadija Shaw, center, jumps for the ball during a Women's World Cup Group C match at Stade des Alpes in Grenoble, France on June 18, 2019. [AP/YONHAP]

Panama

Panama are another team that has played together for a long time. The team enter their first World Cup hoping their cohesion and teamwork can give them an edge.

Key player: Riley Tanner

Best finish: NA

Riley Tanner of Panama, center, battles for the ball during a FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier in Hamilton, New Zealand on Feb. 23. [AP/YONHAP]

Group G

Argentina

Argentina have one of the most threatening midfield lineups in the tournament, meaning this year could be their chance to break out of the group stage for the first time.

Key player: Yamila Rodriguez

Best finish: 18th (2019)

Argentina's Yamila Rodriguez celebrates scoring her side's third goal against Paraguay during a Copa America match in Armenia, Colombia on July 29, 2022. [AP/YONHAP]

Italy

Italy have a few of key players missing, but the squad led by veterans like Cristiana Girelli and Barbara Bonansea could push through to their first World Cup semifinals.

Key player: Cristiana Girelli

Best finish: Seventh (2019)

Juventus' Cristiana Girelli celebrates after scoring against Zurich at Juventus Stadium in Turin, Italy on Dec. 15, 2022. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

South Africa

South Africa join the World Cup with more confidence than ever, having just won the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.

Key player: Linda Motlhalo

Best finish: 22th (2019)

South Africa's Linda Motlhalo controls the ball during a friendly against Brazil at the Orlando stadium in Soweto, South Africa on Sept. 2, 2022. [AP/YONHAP]

Sweden

World No. 3 Sweden have a versatile squad with a world-class defense. The team are looking to go one step further than 2019, when they made it to the semifinals.

Key player: Fridolina Rolfo

Best finish: Runners-up (2003)

Sweden's Fridolina Rolfoe, left, challenges for the ball during a friendly against Germany in Duisburg, Germany on Feb. 21. [AP/YONHAP]

Group H

Colombia

Colombia play with an eye-catching tiki-taka style and arrive at the World Cup looking to redeem themselves after failing to qualify in 2019.

Key player: Daniela Montoya

Best finish: 12th (2015)

Colombia's Daniela Montoya, left, vies for the ball during a friendly against France at Stade Gabriel Montpied in Clermont-Ferrand, France on April 7. [AFP/YONHAP]

Germany

World No. 2 Germany are an obvious favorite with a world-class defense and the experience of finishing as runners-up at last year's Euros.

Key player: Alexandra Popp

Best finish: Winner (2003, 2007)

Germany forward Alexandra Popp celebrates scoring during a friendly against Zambia in Fuerth, Germany on July 7. [AFP/YONHAP]

Morocco

Another World Cup first-timer, Morocco are looking to maintain their momentum from the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations where they finished as runners-up.

Key player: Ghizlane Chebbak

Best finish: NA

Morocco's captain Ghizlane Chebbak pages for a photo after leading her team to win the women's soccer league, in Rabat, Morocco on May 21. [AP/YONHAP]

Korea

Korea enter the World Cup with a lot on the line, as this may be the last for the golden generation. The 2022 Asian Cup runners-up will look to redeem themselves from three straight group stage losses in 2019.

Key player: Ji So-yun

Best finish: 14th (2015)

Korea's Ji So-yun scores a penalty against Haiti during a friendly at Seoul World Cup Stadium in central Seoul on July 8. [NEWS1]

BY PAIK JI-HWAN AND JIM BULLEY [paik.jihwan@joongang.co.kr]