The draw at the Windsor Hotel in Montreal, Canada, pitted the two nations together in a mouth-watering Group B that also contains 2004 and 2006 finalists China and South American heavyweights Brazil.

"We have a great deal of respect for the teams in our group and fully expect each opponent to be excellent both technically and tactically, as well as extremely organised and competitive," said US coach Michelle French

"By the time we set foot in Canada in August, we want to ensure the players are armed with any and all information that will help them feel prepared and confident."

Hosts Canada have been drawn against Ghana, Finland and North Korea in Group A.

Their match against Ghana will double as the tournament's curtain-raiser.

Ghana coach Bashir Hayford said: "It may be a bit intimidating but we are up for the challenge.

"If you're asking me how Ghana will do, I want us to win the cup."

Finnish coach Marianne Miettinen said it was "fantastic" to be in the same group as Canada.

She added: "They are a team with powerful individuals who play with great heart and, given the support they will receive from the home fans, it will be a great experience.

"Overall, it's an interesting group and we're looking forward to some great football."

The United States will be looking to win their fourth World Cup and second in succession when they travel to Canada ©AFP/Getty Images



England will face South Korea, Mexico and Nigeria in Group C, while Group D features France, New Zealand, Paraguay and Costa Rica.

"We don't know anything about these teams, so we will look to find some video footage to get to know them," admitted French coach Gilles Eyquem.

He added: "I'm sure that this tournament is going to be a really great showcase for women's football."

The World Cup, which is being hosted for a second time by Canada after the inaugural competition in 2002, is due to take place from August 5 to 24.

Edmonton, Moncton, Montreal and Toronto will all stage matches.

The US will be looking for their fourth World Cup, after victory in Japan two years ago added to their wins in 2002 and 2008.

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