U.S. draws Sweden again for 2019 Women’s World Cup

PARIS >> The defending champion United States is grouped with Sweden again for the Women’s World Cup next summer in France.

The draw, which determined the group stage for the 24 teams set to play in soccer’s premier tournament, was held Saturday at a gala event in Paris amid a backdrop of unrest in the country.

Host France will open the World Cup on June 7 with a match against South Korea in Paris.

The Americans defeated Japan 5-2 — highlighted its American foes on June 20 in Le Havre. It will be the final group match for both teams.

“This is the first time for me (against the U.S.) but I know about the history, tough games during many years. We feel that we have a chance and that’s the most important thing,” said coach Peter Gerhardsson, who took over the team after Pia Sundhage’s retirement in 2017.

The game will be a rematch of the Olympic quarterfinal in Brazil, where Sweden advanced on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Afterward, U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo famously called the Swedes “cowards” for bunkering on defense.

“It’s a good draw for us, it pits against a couple of teams we’re not that familiar with, which I like and then obviously Sweden. I like having Sweden in the third game because it allows us to settle into the tournament,” said U.S. coach Jill Ellis, who was in Paris for the draw.

The pots for the draw were based on the world ranking, except that No. 3 France, as host, was atop the first pot, followed by the top-ranked U.S., Germany, England, Canada and Australia. The updated FIFA rankings were released on Friday.