Holders, the United States, will again be the team to beat as the FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off in Australia and New Zealand later this month, as Euros champions, England, will be another of the favourites to lift the coveted trophy. And, Africa's most successful national side, Nigeria will also be ones to watch as the global celebration draws ever closer.
Won by four different national teams, the USA already hold claim 4 times, whilst Germany have won it twice, with Norway and Japan winning it once each.
But those figures will not deter the challenges from the likes of other European powerhouses Spain, France, the Netherlands and Sweden, as well as perennial tournament “favourite”, Brazil, who have – like the country’s male counterparts in recent years – have flattered to deceive.
The Brazilian ballers have shown that they’re not messing around this time and will be looking to claim more than the runners-up medals they achieved in 2007, with Marta and Debinha set to be included, along with Geyse, Rafaelle and veterans Luciana and Tamires. Ranked sixth in the world and being the current Olympic gold medal-winners, Canada have just scraped into the top 10 and are ready for the group stage.
The Netherlands will be without star striker, Vivianne Miedema - sidelined by a ruptured ACL, the team face an uphill battle without her. Nobody has more World Cup podium finishes than the ‘Blågult’, but, with the like Magdalena Eriksson and Fridolina Rolfö who have grown accustomed to winning at club level, Sweden will, again be worth a look at.
This year’s co-hosts are gearing up to make their ninth World Cup appearance, and will be hoping to claim the top prize while performing on home soil. The Matilda’s squad has never been stronger, with Ellie Carpenter, Mary Fowler and Sam Kerr set to do what they do best - scoring screamers.
European champions England are expected to go the distance. As the tournament's second favourites though, they will be doing so without injured duo - captain, Leah Williamson, and EURO 2022 golden boot winner, Beth Mead, with both ruptured ACLs.
Chelsea centre-back Millie Bright, who, herself, has not played since March will skipper England in Australia, and says: “I am really confident about being ready in time,” with England’s first match of the tournament against Haiti taking place in Brisbane on July 22.
So, let the games begin!
