A tumultuous opening day of the Women’s World Cup 2023 put the spotlight on Arsenal’s players.

Key performances by Frida Maanum, Steph Catley, and Katie McCabe demonstrated the global reach of the Gunners’ talent.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Steph Catley of Australia gestures during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Australia and Ireland at Stadium Australia on July 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JULY 20: Steph Catley of Australia gestures during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Australia and Ireland at Stadium Australia on July 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
  • In the Women’s World Cup 2023 opener, Arsenal’s Frida Maanum stood out despite Norway’s loss to New Zealand.
  • Arsenal’s Steph Catley led Australia to victory against Ireland with a decisive penalty.
  • Katie McCabe, another Gunner, showed spirited leadership as captain of the Irish team, despite their narrow defeat.

Arsenal’s global impact on display

The opening day of the Women’s World Cup 2023 witnessed a strong showcase of Arsenal’s talent on the global stage.

Arsenal’s Frida Maanum, Steph Catley, and Katie McCabe all made their mark, albeit in contrasting circumstances.

Maanum’s solid performance amidst defeat

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 20: Frida Maanum of Norway competes for the ball against Ali Riley and Katie Bowen of New Zealand during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group A match between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park on July 20, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – JULY 20: Frida Maanum of Norway competes for the ball against Ali Riley and Katie Bowen of New Zealand during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group A match between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park on July 20, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Norway might have lost to New Zealand, but Arsenal’s Frida Maanum made sure to leave her mark on the match. The midfielder showed her prowess and potential, underlining why she’s valued at Arsenal.

Maanum’s stats highlighted her contribution despite being subbed off after 64 minutes. Her role as a midfield dynamo was evident, with a strong aerial presence, three total shots, and two chances created.

Meanwhile, New Zealand celebrated their first-ever World Cup win, with Hannah Wilkinson scoring the decisive goal against Maanum’s Norway.

Catley and McCabe: A tale of two captains

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Steph Catley and Alanna Kennedy of Australia celebrate the team's 1-0 victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Australia and Ireland at Stadium Australia on July 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JULY 20: Steph Catley and Alanna Kennedy of Australia celebrate the team’s 1-0 victory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Australia and Ireland at Stadium Australia on July 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

In the other match of the opening day, Australia squared off against Ireland, with Arsenal’s Steph Catley and Katie McCabe as the respective captains.

Catley, stepping in for the injured Sam Kerr, took charge and scored the game-winning penalty for Australia.

Despite the narrow loss, McCabe showed strong leadership for the Irish team, demonstrating why she’s revered among Arsenal supporters.

The defeat will be a tough pill to swallow, but the Irish, and McCabe, can hold their heads high after a resilient performance.

The World Cup stage now set

The first day of the Women’s World Cup 2023 proved to be an intense affair, with Arsenal’s global stars shining in their individual lights.

Frida Maanum, despite Norway’s loss, has shown her potential, while Steph Catley and Katie McCabe’s clash was a testament to Arsenal’s international influence.

As the tournament unfolds, Arsenal fans worldwide will be watching keenly, hoping for more standout performances from their stars.

The opening matches have set the stage; now, it’s up to the players to seize their moments.

Next up for Arsenal fans will be Switzerland’s game against the Philippines on Friday where Noelle Maritz and Lia Walti will feature.