England open World Cup with USA test in Sunderland

Runaway world number ones England enter the home World Cup as clear favourites but face pressure from overseas challengers and neighbouring rivals.

England emerge as top contenders for home World Cup

England head into the Women's Rugby World Cup as the world number one and hosts. The Red Roses open their campaign against the United States in Sunderland on Friday 22 August, with Samoa and Australia also in Pool A.

England have lost only once in their past 58 matches, a 2022 final defeat to New Zealand. They have won six consecutive Six Nations Grand Slams and sit at the top of the world rankings. Head coach John Mitchell says the team’s mental-skills program helps players handle the pressure as they prepare for the tournament, adding that the 2022 experience has left them ready for the present. "With our mental-skills support, we are helping the girls individually. Or, for the girls in previous World Cups, unpack and bring closure to those things," he said.

If rankings hold, the path to glory could see England facing Scotland in the quarter-finals, France in the semi-finals, and a final against Canada or New Zealand.

England's favourite status carries both momentum and risk. Home crowds can lift a team, but they also sharpen scrutiny and raise the stakes for every mistake. The Red Roses must translate their talent into quiet, steady performance across a tough schedule.

Beyond the scoreline, the World Cup will test how well England manages pressure and expectations. The team has built a voice around mental resilience and a clear plan for growth, but the tournament will reveal whether that work translates into wins when every game counts and the field is stacked with overseas challengers.

Highlights

A home World Cup will test nerves as much as talent.