A new Women’s World Cup advert has seemingly mocked the folly attempts of competing nations, including England, to scupper the plans of reigning world champions USA.
If ever an advert encompassed the bravado of the USWNT – four-time World Cup champions and back-to-back champions heading into Australia and New Zealand – this one cuts the convincing archetype.
The FOX Sports commercial, titled ‘USA vs The World’ opens with the looming question, “What’s it going to take to stop this U.S. team?” What follows is a humorous amalgamation of nutty plots and schemes from rival football fans to take down the sports’ most dominant team, from cancelled flights to employing AI, all of which are insouciantly refuted by USWNT stars Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Rose Lavelle, Crystal Dunn and Naomi Girma.
Morgan re-posted the video on Twitter from Fox Sport’s socials with an accompanying shushing emoji and a teapot, in reference to her infamous tea-drinking celebration after scoring the USWNT's second against the Lionesses in the 2-1 semi-final victory in 2019.
The U.S. have become the most dominant powerhouse on the international stage in recent years. This summer represents the nation’s ninth World Cup appearance, and Morgan and co. are tipped as heavy favourites heading into Australia and New Zealand.
Nevertheless, whispers of a weakened squad have surrounded the USWNT’s preparations, with young creative stars Mallory Swanson and new Chelsea signing Catarina Macario both out due to injury, while a squad in transition has shown signs of fallibility against top European nations. Vlatko Andonovski ’s side recently fell to three successive defeats for the first time since 1993.
The evolution of Europe’s biggest teams, including England, is set to make this World Cup the most competitive in history, meaning the USWNT face their biggest challenge yet.
Even so, the mood coming from the defending champions’ camp is one of brazen confidence. The USWNT face Vietnam in their opening group stage match, followed by the Netherlands and Portugal.
