FIFA Women’s World Cup draw: Matildas handed tough task with Canada, Ireland and Nigeria

The draw for the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand was made in Auckland on Saturday. Australia will play Canada, Ireland and Nigeria in Group B. They will face European champions England in the round of 16.

FIFA Women's World Cup draw sees Australia drawn with Canada, Ireland and Nigeria in Group B. Canada is Australia's toughest match-up. Australia most recently faced the 2020 Olympic champions at home.

FIFA Women's World Cup draw sees Matildas drawn with Canada, Ireland and Nigeria. Christine Sinclair, Kadeisha Buchanan and Jesse Fleming are key players for Canada. Sinclair is Canada's most prolific goalscorer and captain. Buchanan is a three-time Canada player of the year. Fleming played alongside Sam Kerr at Chelsea.

Ireland and Australia have met only once before in 2021. Australia lost the match 3-2. This will be Ireland's first appearance at a World Cup. Ireland has invested a lot of resources into the development of the women's game at the university level. The team is accurate in front of goal and will believe they can pick up a point.

Amber Barrett and Heather Payne are key players for Ireland. Barrett scored the goal that sealed Ireland's World Cup place. Payne has been playing for the Ireland national team since she was 17.

Nigeria are the most successful team in African Cup of Nations history. They have qualified for every World Cup since 1999 and beat South Korea in the round of 16 at the last edition in France.

Asisat Oshoala is a key player for Nigeria. Tilly Werner is an emerging sports journalist. She has a Graduate Diploma in Sports Management and a Bachelor of International Studies. She is currently writing and producing for News Corp Australia. Canada, Ireland and Nigeria are the other teams in the FIFA Women’s World Cup draw.