(Reuters) - The United States may be favourites to retain their Women's World Cup title but the rapid development of the game globally means they will face a tougher field than ever before when the tournament gets underway in France on Friday. Hundreds of thousands of tickets have been sold and world governing body FIFA is banking on the women's game taking a huge step forward on the back of a successful tournament. The eighth edition of the Women's World Cup will be contested by 24 teams in nine cities across France, with the hosts facing South Korea in the opening game at the Parc des Princes in Paris. The semi-finals and final will be staged in Lyon, home to powerhouse Olympique Lyonnais, historically the most successful club in women's football in France, with the showpiece match slated for July 7. However, fans and players are expected to park those discussions, at least temporarily, when the action finally gets underway in Paris.

Source: The Star June 06, 2019 10:30 UTC