Switzerland
FIFA ranking: 20
Nickname: La Nati
Coach: Inka Grings
How they qualified:
Switzerland won eight of their 10 matches in their UEFA qualifying campaign, losing only to Group G leaders Italy. Switzerland, captained by Lia Walti, secured a 2-1 victory over Wales in the decisive playoff and sealed a spot for the showpiece event.
Previous tournaments:
Switzerland's participation at the Women's World Cup has been limited, with only one previous qualification in 2015, where the team made it to the last 16.
Prospects:
Switzerland will open their Group A campaign against the Philippines before taking on Norway and co-hosts New Zealand. Switzerland may fancy their chances as they are the second-highest-ranked side in the group, only behind 12th-placed Norway. The Philippines and New Zealand are both outside the top 20.
New Zealand
FIFA ranking: 26
Nickname: Football Ferns
Coach: Jitka Klimková
How they qualified: New Zealand are co-hosts with Australia so they qualify automatically. As a result they've been playing a far greater number of friendlies than usual, including against the US.
Previous tournaments: This is New Zealand sixth World Cup but they have never qualified outside of the group stage. They have recorded three draws, two of which came in 2015 and had some narrow defeats in 2019.
Prospects: Given they have home support, there is hope this could be a breakthrough for the side. They've chosen tough opposition in the build-up to the tournament and while goals have been an issue, there is quiet optimism. They signed off for the competition with a 2-0 success over Vietnam. The opening match with Norway will be critical and a major occasion for the sport in the country.
Norway
FIFA ranking: 12
Nickname: The Grashoppers
Coach: Hege Risse
How they qualified: Norway won nine out of 10 matches in their qualification process, scoring 47 goals conceding two. The only blemish was a 0-0 draw in Poland. Risse's side certainly set themselves out as one the stronger European sides in the competition.
Previous tournaments: It will be Norway's ninth appearance having featured in every competition so far, winning it in 1995. Norway have always come through the group stage and exited in the quarter-finals last time out.
Prospects: They will be favourites for the group but it is a competitive one. After that it isn't beyond the realms of possibility they could face Ireland if Vera Pauw's side can make it through. Norway will hope to reach the last eight like last time and go further.
Philipines
FIFA ranking: 46
Nickname: Filipinas
Coach: Alen Stajcic
How they qualified:
The Philippines will debut at the Women's World Cup after a dramatic qualifying victory over Chinese Taipei in the quarter-finals of the AFC Women's Asian Cup last year. Goalkeeper Olivia Davies-McDaniel's heroics helped the Filipinas win 4-3 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw.
Previous tournaments:
The 2023 World Cup marks the first time a team from the Philippines, whether male or female, will make an appearance at the showpiece event. The Philippines clinched their first AFF Women's Championship title in 2022.
Prospects:
Placed in Group A alongside Switzerland, Norway and co-hosts New Zealand, the Philippines are the lowest-ranked team in the group and former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic will have his work cut out to avoid losing all three fixtures.
