The 2023 FIFA World Cup is coming up soon and qualification matches are picking back up after a summer full of exciting tournaments. If you’re looking for some quality women’s soccer to watch while you wait for the international leagues to begin their seasons, look no further. Here are three World Cup qualification matches you can watch on Paramount Plus. If you don’t have Paramount Plus but want to watch the matches, you can use our link to sign up.
Estonia vs. France
Les Bleues will face off against Estonia this weekend for the second time ever. In their last meeting, France won 11-0 and will likely win this match by another large margin. France is coming off their best-ever result in the Euros and are looking to carry that momentum into World Cup qualifiers. Unfortunately, France will be without star striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto, who suffered an ACL injury during the Euros. Luckily, the French have powerhouse forwards Kadidiatou Diani and Sandy Baltimore, who will hold down the front line while Katoto recovers. You can watch Estonia vs. France at 11:00 am EST on Sept. 2.
Norway vs. Albania
After a coaching shakeup this summer, Norway is looking to bounce back from a disappointing Euros performance. A few questions surround the Norwegian team at this time: How will the team cope with star Caroline Graham Hansen taking a break from national team duty due to heart concerns? Has the team morale recovered since the devastating 8-0 loss to England this summer? How will the team perform under new head coach Hege Riise? Norway beat Albania 7-0 when they last met and they are likely to win this matchup again, but they may not win as comfortably due to all of the recent changes in the team. Norway vs. Albania will kick off at 12:30 pm EST on Sept. 6.
England vs. Luxembourg
The Lionesses will be back in action this international break for the first time since winning the 2022 Euros. While it has only been about a month since they won the tournament, the roster has undergone some changes. Jill Scott and Ellen White, two longtime roster staples, chose to end their football careers after the tournament. Fran Kirby and Chloe Kelly are out with injuries, and Hannah Hampton will miss the matches due to personal reasons. Coach Sarina Wiegman has called up Sandy MacIver, Ebony Salmon, Lauren James, Katie Zelem and Jordan Nobbs to fill in the open spots. England beat Luxembourg 10-0 in their last meeting, so we will likely see recent call-ups and depth players get some playing time. You can watch England vs. Luxembourg at 2:30 pm EST on Sept. 6.
Which matches will you be watching this international break? Let me know in the comments below. Follow me on Twitter and check out Beyond Women’s Sports for more women’s sports coverage.
