PARIS (AP) — The Latest on the draw for the Women's World Cup (all times local):
6:20 p.m.
U.S. women's national team midfielder Carli Lloyd says she's confident the Americans will successfully defend their title next summer at the Women's World Cup.
Lloyd scored three goals in the final in the 2015 World Cup in Canada, and the United States defeated Japan 5-2 for their third overall championship in soccer's most prestigious tournament.
She was asked on stage at the draw event inside La Seine Musicale on Saturday how confident the U.S. team is heading into the tournament.
She said: "Pretty confident I must say. This squad is as talented as can be, we've got the depth and a great coaching staff in place."
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6:10 p.m.
The 24 teams that qualified for the Women's World Cup are set to learn their opponents for the tournament's group stage next summer in France.
Saturday's draw for soccer's most prestigious event is taking place inside La Seine Musicale, a dome-shaped concert hall perched over the river Seine on the outskirts of Paris. The draw is far enough away from the city center to not be affected by the widespread anti-government demonstrations taking place all day.
Those attending the draw include Carli Lloyd, who scored a hat trick for the United States in the final of the 2015 World Cup in Canada. The Americans defeated Japan 5-2 for their third overall World Cup title.
Disclaimer: This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Associated Press (AP) wire.
