The 2023 World Cup has arrived, and with it comes a fresh set of kits for the competing national teams.

Designers had some fun with the away kits in particular. And while the home kits featured comparatively less variation, there are still some standout styles on display among the 32-team field. Just Women’s Sports is ranking the top 10 kit pairings you’ll see at this year’s tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

10. Brazil

Brazil kept many similarities to its men’s team in its kits but added a flair to the sleeves on the away kit with a pattern inspired by the Amazon rainforest. The individuality is nice, but still keeps Brazil in line with the long history of soccer in their home country. The only thing? Nike needs to release Marta jerseys worldwide.

9. England

England’s away jersey is one of the few Nike kits to make a splash in this year’s release from the brand. Shades of blue and a geometric pattern set the kit apart as the Lionesses look to capitalize on their first Euros win and make a deep run in this year’s World Cup.

8. USWNT

The USWNT’s home paint splatter kit gets props for its unique look and for the inspiration it draws from the abstract expression art movement from 1940s New York. With the start of the World Cup, it could become a favorite among the USWNT kit ranks.

The away kit, though, leaves a lot to be desired, with the distinctive pairing of the bright red and blue. As a result, the full kit release did not live up to its full potential for the reigning World Cup champions; it would have been fun to see a nod to the past as this year’s team looks to make history.

7. Portugal

Portugal went with a classic home design but mixed it up with its away jersey. Vibrant colors coupled with a pattern inspired by traditional designs and craftsmanship make this jersey unique. The idea was to “celebrate soccer as an art form,” and that comes through loud and clear. The interweaving of the colors of the national flag is an added touch that makes this look stand out.

6. Argentina

Argentina’s home kit offers a familiar design, one everyone has grown to know and love thanks to Lionel Messi. Props to the squad for holding onto that. On the other hand, the away kits are a fun nod to local landscapes across the country, continuing a theme of this year’s Adidas away kits.

5. Spain

Paired with Spain’s traditional red home jerseys, the away kits are a sight to behold. Inspired by coral reefs, the jersey combines gorgeous shades of blue accented by varying shades of purple. Props to Spain, too, for having a recognizable home jersey with a timeless design.

4. Colombia

Colombia’s away kit is a nod to the Caño Cristales, known as the “river of five colors.” It features hues of purple, yellow and blue, and brings a unique flair to the World Cup jersey lineup. Without a new home jersey, it’s the standout design for Colombia, and it holds its own.

3. Nigeria

Nigeria’s kits are bright and fun, with their away jersey featuring a distinctive textile pattern reminiscent of the country’s local prints and patterns, a perfect nod to those watching at home. Not to mention, the bright green of the home kit stands out from the other national teams, and the detail on the sleeve ties both kits together to create a cohesive look.

2. Japan

Japan’s away kit is fun. It’s light. It’s everything that a World Cup kit should be. And with the color taking cues from the sunrises at Mount Fuji, the meaning behind this jersey – with the team emerging into another World Cup much like the sun emerges from behind the volcano – is just as cool.

1. Germany

As mentioned above, Adidas went with a nature theme for its away jerseys this year. The theme proved strong all around, but Germany takes the top spot with its deep greens inspired by the forests of the country. Gold accents and trim pop against the darker colors, and the collar is a 10/10. It’s hard to find fault with this kit.

The New York Liberty dominated Indiana on Thursday night, winning by a whopping 36 points in the Fever's home opener. 

A sold-out crowd of 17,274 was in attendance to watch as star rookie Caitlin Clark finished the 102-66 defeat with nine points, seven rebounds, and six assists. It’s the first time since January 2021 — her freshman season at Iowa — that Clark's been held to single-digit scoring. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Just Women’s Sports (@justwomenssports)

"The physicality is definitely up there... I'm easily pushed off screens," she told reporters after the loss. "The game seems a little fast for me right now. The more I play and the more comfortable I get, it's going to slow down a little bit. It will be easier for me to make reads, see things develop."

The Fever were outscored by a combined margin of 57 points in their first two games — the largest two-game point deficit in WNBA season-opening history, according to @ESPNStatsInfo.

"We've got to get to a level of toughness," Fever coach Christie Sides in her own postgame remarks. "When things are going south on us, we're not stopping the bleeding."

"I have great perspective on everything that happens," Clark added. "It was the same in my college career. There were some moments that were absolutely amazing. And there were some moments I was not happy with how I played and how my team performed. That's just life, that's just basketball."

Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, who herself experienced a rocky rookie season following a much-hyped college career, offered up some insight on the matter.

"In this league, there are tough defenses all centered around not letting you get the ball, trapping, not letting you score," Ionescu said. "There were many factors that played into what was a tough first season for me in the league, but it helps you be able to figure it out. You have to have those experiences."

But it was reigning league MVP Breanna Stewart that truly stole the show, racking up 31 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks on the night.

"In general, I just wanted to come out more aggressive coming off of last game," Stewart said after putting up the 24th 30-point game in her career.

Stewart she also commended the fans inside Indianapolis's packed Gainbridge Fieldhouse, noting that she hopes that level of support to continue across the WNBA.

"This is how you want every game to be and when it's a sell-out crowd, it gives you a similar playoff atmosphere feel," she said. "People want to be a part of this and the thing now is to continue to sustain it, continue to take the momentum that we have and turn it into something more."

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert admitted to a "faulty rollout" of the new charter travel initiative on Thursday, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Ahead of Tuesday's season opener, it was announced that the only teams flying private this week would be Indiana and Minnesota. The announcement came mere days after the league made a new charter flight program for all WNBA teams public. At the time, they said it would be implemented "as soon as we have the planes."

But as two teams out of 12 chartered to their first games of the season, others like the Atlanta Dream and Chicago Sky were forced to fly commercial.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Just Women’s Sports (@justwomenssports)

A town hall meeting between Engelbert and the players was held in response to the confusion. Everything from the league's new media rights deal to private travel was covered in the meeting, with players submitting their questions ahead of time. Sky center Elizabeth Williams told Sun-Times reporter Annie Costabile afterwards that cross-country flights were prioritized.

"Flights that are across the country like [the Lynx] going to Seattle, crossing multiple time zones, or flights that usually require a connection, those were the priorities," Williams said. "That’s why New York didn’t go to DC with a charter, but Minny goes to Seattle."

What’s unclear under that metric is that the Atlanta Dream played the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday, which could technically be classified as a cross-country flight. 

On Tuesday, rookie forward Angel Reese shared a photo on her Instagram story lamenting the league's use of commercial flights.

"Just praying that this is one of the last commercial flights the Sky has to fly," Reese posted. The team still has at least three commercial flights awaiting them in the near future.

"Obviously, I think all teams should be able to get chartered," Reese told the Sun-Times. "But I know moving forward... going in the right direction, being able to have some teams [chartering] is cool. Within the next weeks, everybody will be flying charter, which will be really good."

On Thursday, Lindsay Schnell of USAToday Sports confirmed that the league intends to have all teams on charter flights by May 21st.

Brazil has been named the host for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with FIFA announced early Friday. 

The decision came after a vote at the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok, with Brazil earning 119 votes to the joint European bid’s 78. 

This will be Brazil’s first time hosting the Women’s World Cup, with the country having hosted the men’s World Cup twice before in 1950 and 2014. It will also be the first Women’s World Cup held in South America. The tournament will follow the same 32-team format as the 2023 WWC in Australia and New Zealand.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Just Women’s Sports (@justwomenssports)

Brazil winning the bid was not entirely surprising after FIFA issued a report just last week, stating that the Brazilian bid had pulled ahead as host following technical inspection. After evaluation, Brazil was given a score of 4.0 out of 5, compared to the 3.7 awarded to the Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Brazil ranked higher in a number of key areas, including stadiums, accommodations, fan zones, and transport infrastructure. Though considered to be a frontrunner, the US and Mexico withdrew their joint bid prior to the technical inspection period, saying they would instead focus their efforts on 2031.

On Friday, Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues called it a "victory." 

"We knew we would be celebrating a victory for South American women's soccer and for women," he told reporters. "You can be sure, with no vanity, we will accomplish the best World Cup for women."

"We are working on a transformation, not only for the country but for the continent," added bid team operational manager Valesca Araujo.

Brazil intends to use 10 of the venues utilized at the 2014 men’s World Cup, including holding the final in Rio de Janeiro on July 25th. The CBF's proposal outlines that the 2027 tournament run from June 24th through the end of July. Last summer’s World Cup began at the end of July and concluded on August 19th.

Another notable element of Brazil's newly unveiled plan to grow of the women’s game is that "all [men’s] clubs wishing to take part in high-level national and continental competitions must now provide a structure for a women’s team." While the definition of "structure" was not specifically identified, the country has set targets with CONMEBOL to help increase the number of women’s club teams in the country.

In last week's inspection findings, FIFA noted that selecting Brazil as the next WWC host could "have a tremendous impact on women's football in the region."

Chelsea did what they needed to do on Wednesday in order to make Saturday's slate of season-ending WSL fixtures interesting: Beat Tottenham.

The Blues are now number one in the league, with an edge over Manchester City on goal differential thanks to an eight-goal outing against Bristol City last week. 

Yesterday's result tees up a league finale for the books as Chelsea looks to send coach Emma Hayes off with another trophy to add to her cabinet. The Blues will play FA Cup winner Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday, while City is away at Aston Villa.

"We will be leaving nothing on the pitch, we will be giving everything and no matter what the result is," Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert said after Wednesday's win. "At least we can look each other in the eye and say we gave everything."

It makes for a thrilling end to Chelsea's Emma Hayes era, as the decorated WSL coach will take over the USWNT in June. And it comes after Hayes all but conceded the title race early this month after Chelsea fell to Liverpool 4-3.

"I think the title is done," Hayes said at the time. "Of course, mathematically, it's not, but I think the title is done. Our job between now and the end of the season is to keep pushing until the end, but I think it will be very difficult.

"We will never give up. But the title is far from us; it's not in our hands. I think City are deserving, their consistency has put them in that position. Of course, we will go to the end, but I don't think the title will be going to us this year."

Be it mind games or Hayes truly thinking her team was that far off, her words lit something in Chelsea. Their following two performances showed the team’s determination to have a shot at some silverware.

As for Saturday's schedule, Hayes believes her team is facing the "tougher of the two games."

"It's a fitting finale for me, being my final game," she told BBC Sport. "As I said to the players if someone gives you a second chance in life, make sure you don't need a third one. We're in the position we want to be in, and we'll give it everything on Saturday no matter what."