8 countries

8 countries will play in their first Women's World Cup
This year, the number of teams vying for the cup has expanded from 24 to 32.

With those extra slots, eight teams are making their first appearance at the tournament: the Philippines, Ireland, Zambia, Haiti, Vietnam, Portugal, Panama and Morocco.

One country to watch is Zambia, which also hasn't played in a men's World Cup. Led by star forward Barbra Banda, the Copper Queens upset number-two ranked Germany 3-2 in a friendly earlier this month, with Banda scoring twice.

But Zambia is in a tough group that includes Japan and highly ranked Spain, so be sure to catch them in the group stage.