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What is it? The 2023 World Lacrosse Men's Championship

When is it? June 21 until July 1

Where is it? The event will be held in San Diego in California in the United States, across two venues. These are the Snapdragon Stadium and the Torero Stadium. Both stadiums are located at the University of San Diego.

Who’s taking part? Hosts United States will be defending their crown on home soil and looking for an 11th title in all. Rivals will include three-time winners Canada, the only other country to have lifted the world title. Look out as well for the Iroquois Nationals, Australia and England. Thirty teams will be contesting the event in all.

Why is it important? The event will be taking place in California as lacrosse waits to hear whether it will be accepted for a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Lacrosse is one of eight sports in the frame for a place on sport's grandest stage. It was previously an Olympic sport in 1904 and 1908. An important factor which transcends sport is that Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego has been named as the tournament sponsor.

What’s the history? The first Championship took place in 1967 when the US won in Toronto in Canada. On that occasion only four teams took part, as was the case for every future edition until 1990 when an extra side was added. Lacrosse has grown hugely since then, with 46 countries taking part in 2018 in Israel. That has now been streamlined to 30 for this year, with nations coming from all parts of the globe.

What are they saying? "The character of these guys was beyond anything I could have imagined" - US head coach John Danowski after naming his squad for the World Championships.

How can I watch it? ESPN will serve as the exclusive television partner of the tournament, showing all 107 matches. It will provide international distribution across the world.

World Lacrosse Men’s Championship