With Europe and the United States both considered powerhouses in women’s football, there have long been calls to establish a competition which pits the best teams from each region against each other.The WICC does exactly this. Although it is just a friendly tournament, football fans are fervently looking forward to watching the two best teams in Europe go against two top sides from the US.GiveMeSport Women runs through everything you need to know about the upcoming WICC.

Who is playing in the Women’s International Champions Cup?

FC Barcelona and Olympique Lyonnais are the representatives from Europe. Barcelona enjoyed a historic season earlier this year, winning the Women’s Champions League for the first time. They also claimed Primera División and Copa de la Reina titles.

In contrast, Lyon had a difficult season. The team could not match their own lofty standards, failing to retain their Division 1 Féminine title for the first time in 15 years.

Lyon will contest the Women's International Champions Cup

Barcelona and Lyon are set to come up against NWSL sides Portland Thorns and Houston Dash.

The Thorns are in dominant form, having extended an unbeaten run to seven games at the weekend. They are also the reigning champions of the NWSL Challenge Cup and will be playing in their home venue for the WICC. 

Houston Dash are struggling this season, and currently sit eighth in the NWSL table. The side showed their winning credentials last year, however, taking home the inaugural Challenge Cup.

When and where is the Women’s International Champions Cup?

The WICC is due to take place at Providence Park in Portland. Matches are scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday, but the time difference means the games will be played in the early morning of Thursday and Sunday in the UK.

Which teams have won so far at the Women's International Champions Cup?

Lyon defeated Barcelona 3-2 in their clash, while Portland Thorns and Houston Dash drew 2-2. Thorns were 3-1 winners in the resulting penalty shoot-out. The match also saw 15-year-old Olivia Moultrie score her first goal for Thorns. 

Barcelona and Houston Dash will now play on Sunday 22nd August at 12:30am BST, followed by the the title match between Lyon and Portland Thorns at 3am BST.

Houston Dash will play in the Women's International Champions Cup

How can I watch the Women’s International Champions Cup?

The WICC will be streamed live on DAZN with English language commentary, as well as French and Spanish commentary for those respective matchups.

The matches will be shown on DAZN for subscribers, and will also be available for free on DAZN’s YouTube channel in more than 120 markets across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa.