5 storylines to watch as the Women's World Cup kicks off

In this photo from July 7, 2019, U.S. players hold the trophy as they celebrate winning the Women's World Cup final soccer match against The Netherlands at the Stade de Lyon in Decines, outside Lyon, France. The 2023 Women's World Cup will be spread across nine cities in Australia and New Zealand. (Francisco Seco/AP)

Francisco Seco / Francisco Seco

When the Women’s World Cup kicks off in Australia and New Zealand on Thursday, it’ll be the first time the women’s cup is hosted in two countries — with a newly expanded field of 32 teams.

Here’s what to know as the world’s best pursue the biggest title in women’s soccer.

The U.S. is again ranked number one in the world, but it’s a team in flux