The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup began Saturday, June 6th in the host country of Canada.

This long established world-wide tournament will last until Sunday, July 5th, the day of the final game, where a winner will be determined.

Nearly four years ago, the United States’  Women’s National Team lost to Japan in penalty kicks, which had followed a 2-2 tie.

After the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, Japan’s win brought the devastated country together in celebration, especially because the team beat the infamous American team, who has never finished less than third place in the tournament.

However, this year the U.S. team is back and stronger than ever with a slightly altered roster, still including older faces like Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, Christie Rampone, and Shannon Boxx, as well as younger ones like Alex Morgan and Sydney Leroux, all  under the leadership of head coach Jill Ellis.

The two head strikers (Wambach and Morgan) and star goalkeeper (Solo) are sure to make an appearance in the USA’s first match against Australia on Monday June 8th, an expected win after the U.S. beat Australia in 2012 and 2013 in international friendlies.

Yet a U.S. win is not definite. The U.S. Women’s Team hasn’t won the trophy since 1999 and has since rocked back and forth from second to third, so close, yet so far from claiming the world title.

A win will also prove distinctly difficult against power-house teams like Germany, France, and especially the defending champion, Japan, who is looking for a second victory against their greatest rival.

The first games of the tournament will feature Canada vs. China and New Zealand vs. Netherlands, which will set off the one month journey of countries fighting for the right to be named the home of the best women’s soccer team in the world.