England’s Red Roses go head-to-head with the USA at 7.30pm tonight (August 22) in the first match of the tournament.
But before the game begins, pop star Anne-Marie is set to take to the stage, performing in what promises to be a ‘grand opening ceremony’.
Up to 49,000 spectators from the North East and beyond are expected to flood to the city for the occasion.
Rebecca Leach, from the tournament organiser, said: “This is a tremendous stadium and city from which to host such a prestigious match, showcasing Sunderland on a global stage.”
England’s team, currently ranked the number one women’s rugby team in the world, have left fans hopeful for their victory.
They last won the tournament in 2014, defeating Canada in the final.
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The Red Roses will be hoping to replicate that success and go one further than the previous two World Cups which they lost out to New Zealand in the final both times.
The tournament will last for just over five weeks in total, involving 16 different teams. The final will be hosted on September 27 at Twickenham Stadium, London.
Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, which saw its resident football team win its opening Premier League game, remains the most northern location used for the competition this year.
