Countdown to France 2019: Coca-Cola celebrates FIFA Women's World Cup

The FIFA Women’s World Cup is about to kick off. Find out about the players and fixtures we’re most excited to see, and what you can expect to see from Coca-Cola as the tournament’s official partner…

This summer, the women’s game takes over.

That’s right, the FIFA Women’s World Cup is nearly upon us. And it promises to be one of the most exciting and competitive tournaments we’ve ever seen.

From 7 June, 24 teams – including England and Scotland – will battle it out for the sport’s most coveted prize. So, will the USA win a record fourth title? Will other frontrunners Japan, Germany or Brazil lift the trophy? Or maybe, just maybe, could we see a home nation do it?...

Of course, we’ll have to wait until 7 July – the day of the final in Lyon – to get our answers. However, what we can do is reveal the players we can’t wait to see take to the pitch, the games we’re most excited for, and what we’ve been doing in our role as official partner to the tournament.

At Coca-Cola, we’d like to think we know a thing or two about football. Our relationship with the beautiful game goes all the way back to the 1950 FIFA Men’s World Cup Brazil™, and we haven’t looked back since. Recently, we announced a three-and-a-half-year partnership with the English Premier League, and, in partnership with Channel 4, we launched the world-first TV show ‘Women’s Football World’. So, when we say these are the players to watch, we speak from experience.

The USA’s Megan Rapinoe is definitely someone to keep an eye on. A winner in 2015, the winger is often the most creative player on the pitch, and could well be the player of the tournament – if things go the USA’s way, of course. If that mantle doesn’t go to Rapinoe, it will likely be Sam Kerr. The Australian scores goals for fun and will have defences running scared this summer. And, of course, no list of the best female footballers at this FIFA Women’s World Cup would be complete without Marta. This tournament is likely the swansong for the six-time World Player of the Year. Don’t be surprised if she sets the tournament alight.

Looking at the fixture list, there’s even more to be excited by. In the groups, old foes USA and Sweden face each other, and Brazil will be looking to avenge their 2015 knockout loss to Australia. But the game that’s really going to get us out of our seats – and will likely see offices throughout the nation divided – is England vs. Scotland. The two do battle in Group D on 9 June, in a game that surely sees England as favourites. But, as we all know, the Scots love an upset…

#TeamCocaCola

At Coca-Cola, empowering women is one of our core goals. It’s why we’re so passionate about bringing the power of women’s football to the lives of more and more people across the globe.

With its passion and sense of belonging and togetherness, football can transform lives – and often does. So, to celebrate this and the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup, we’ve assembled #TeamCocaCola – six elite female players who will each be starring in this summer’s tournament.

Each member of #TeamCocaCola has faced unique challenges on their journey to France. Through a series of short films, we’ve brought their stories to life, in the hope of inspiring the next generation of aspiring young footballers to follow in their footsteps. You can check those videos out below...

Sara Däbritz

Sara is a midfielder for the German national team, and competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics where Germany won the gold medal. Competing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup is a dream come true for Sara, who has been playing football since she was five years old.

Abby Dahlkemper

Abby is a central defender for U.S. women’s national soccer team, the reigning world champions. After overcoming an infection that put her career at risk, her love for the game of football is stronger than ever as she prepares for the tournament.

Debinha

Debinha is a forward for the Brazil national team. After years of fighting for gender equality in football, she is proud to play the game she loves while representing her country – and inspiring girls everywhere.

Grace Geyoro

Grace is a defensive midfielder for the French national team. Kickstarting her career in football on a local boy’s club team, she has overcome the odds and is excited for the future of women’s football.

Saki Kumagai

Saki is a defender and captain for the Japan national team. As part of Team Coca-Cola, she hopes to set an example for young girls everywhere and inspire them to compete in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in the future.

Desire Oparanozie

Desire is a forward for the Nigerian national team, and has competed in both the 2011 and 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments. Passionate about motivating young women to be whatever and whoever they want to be, she is proud to represent her nation and hopes to be a role model for girls back home and around the world.

These six athletes are role models that reflect the values of football, the FIFA Women’s World Cup and Coca-Cola. They’re the first of many #TeamCocaCola members who will join the Coke family in the build-up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and will be featured across many of our digital campaigns and in-store promotions.

But it doesn’t stop there. For the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™, we’ll also be launching #MessageAStar. This will see Coca-Cola partner with the FIFA Fan Movement to help football fans around the world send their favourite players messages of support throughout the tournament, using the hashtag #MessageAStar.

The messages will have the chance to be shared during the tournament via in-stadium displays, social content, and even physical notes delivered to players. The best messages will also qualify to win some epic prizes, including player meet-and-greets, signed footballs and more.

Coca-Cola has supported every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1991. Over the years we’ve seen the women’s game only grow in size, influence and the joy it brings to players and fans alike. We can’t wait for this year’s tournament to kick-off. Good luck to all the teams in France!

Want to learn more about Coca-Cola’s long history with football? Check out our timeline.