During an hour-long ceremony at the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa, featuring vocal, musical and cultural performances showcasing the host nation, FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke, and Tatjana Haenni, FIFA deputy director of the competitions division and head of women's football, determined the fate of the 24 competing countries.

Reigning champions Japan were placed in Group C with Switzerland, Cameroon and Ecuador and kick-off their campaign in Vancouver. 

The two-time winners United States will be regarded as favourites to win Group D, although they are likely to be wary of the threat posed by dark horses Sweden and Nigeria.

The group outsiders are Australia and coach Alen Stajcic is looking forward to going up against the US, number one in the FIFA world rankings, in their opening match. 

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke helped to conduct the draw ©Getty Images





"You come to a World Cup and expect to play the best teams and we certainly got that in our group," Stajcic said.

"We can't wait to play the number one team in the world in the first game.

"There won't be an easy game for anyone in the group.

"All four teams are of a similar quality.

"It definitely gives us a sharp focus now heading into the World Cup and the players know now it's no holds barred, playing possibly the toughest teams in each pot.

"We think we're an improving team and this is the chance to test ourselves."

Germany, also two-time winners, face the Ivory Coast, Norway and Thailand in Group B, while Group E consists of Brazil, South Korea, Spain and Costa Rica.

France, serious challengers for the title, will need to navigate their way past England, Colombia and Mexico in Group F, which will be principally based in Moncton.

The 52 scheduled matches at Canada 2015 are due to be held between June 6 and July 5.

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