FRANKFURT -- Defending champion Germany will kick off the 2011 Women's World Cup at the Olympic stadium in Berlin, which hosted the 2006 World Cup final between Italy and France.

Organizers said Friday that the 16-team tournament will start with Germany's game June 26 and end with the final in Frankfurt on July 17.

Moenchengladbach and Frankfurt will host the semifinals. Sinsheim, the home of Hoffenheim, will host the third-place game.