The United States drew seemingly the most difficult group for the 2015 Women's World Cup, with an opener against familiar foe Australia, a match with Sweden and former American coach Pia Sundhage and a first-round finale against perennial African champion Nigeria.

Seeking its third title but first since 1999, the top-ranked U.S. will start Group D against 10th-ranked Australia on June 8 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The match against No. 5 Sweden and Sundhage on June 12 brings the most intrigue, along with FIFA's insistence on playing on artificial turf instead of grass.

U.S. forward Sydney Leroux was quick to weigh in on the team's tough draw on Twitter.

Bring it on. - Sydney Leroux (@sydneyleroux) December 6, 2014

Sundhage coached the U.S. at the 2011 World Cup in Germany, where the Americans lost the final to Japan 3-1 on penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw. She was hired as coach of her native Sweden after the 2012 London Olympics, where she led the Americans to their third straight gold medal, including two under her watch.

Jill Ellis took over as interim U.S. coach following Sundhage's departure and became head coach this year after the surprising dismissal of Sundhage's replacement, Tom Sermanni.

"As far as playing Pia -- we had a little giggle about it this morning that we would be in the same group and it turned out to be prophetic," Ellis, a former assistant to Sundhage, said during a conference call. "For me, it's actually easier playing a friend. I have tremendous respect for her. I just know it's going to be a great game, and we're both going to prepare our teams the best we can and let them duel it out."

The U.S. women are making their seventh World Cup appearance. The team won the inaugural tournament in 1991, added its second title in 1999 but has struggled since with a pair of third-place finishes and a runner-up finish.