With only one month to go until the opening ceremony of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, I thought we’d take a look at the latest team and player updates and how this may affect their chances of going all the way to the final.
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USA (+250)
The current world champions took a heavy blow this week with news emerging ‘irreplaceable’ team captain, Becky Sauerbrunn, will miss out on a fourth World Cup and a shot at a third title due to a foot injury. “Heartbroken isn’t even the half of it,” Sauerbrunn said in a statement posted to her social media accounts.
Last year, USWNT were firm favourites to win the tournament however there have been major setbacks along the way to this World Cup which has resulted in their odds to win slip somewhat.
There is a long list of injuries that now includes Sauerbrunn. Catarina Macario, the team’s generational attacking player capable of dominating in the No. 9 or No. 10 role, tore her ACL last spring and will not play at the World Cup. Mallory Swanson, the dynamic, goal-scoring winger, tore her patella tendon in April. Midfielder Sam Mewis had a lingering knee problem that turned into a long-term injury.
Then, there were red flags from matches late in 2022 too. Consecutive defeats to England, Spain and Germany brought the worst three game record the USWNT had seen in 20 years. With the Champions showing significant cracks in their armor, top-rated teams around them will smell blood.
England (+400)
The Lionesses are strong favourites to top the group and qualify for the knockout rounds. However, England have had their fair share of injury woes along the way too. Key players Beth Mead and Leah Williamson have already been ruled out, and their absence will be sorely missed however, there is still a vast amount of talent in boss Sarina Wiegman’s squad.
Lauren James has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in English football. Her ability to dismantle teams with her exceptional ball control makes the Chelsea star a player teams should fear in Australia and New Zealand. England also have stars such as Alessia Russo and Ella Toone hoping to lead the way to a first and famous World Cup title.
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Spain (+575)
La Roja have continuously improved year on year, reaching the quarter-finals of the Euros before going out to the Lionesses.
Spain have enjoyed some impressive results in friendlies, notably beating USNWT 2-0 in October 2022 and are determined to make up for that last-eight heartbreak exit from the European Championship last summer.
Based in New Zealand for their Group C games with Costa Rica, Zambia and Japan, Spain will be confident they can progress as group winners to the knockout stages.
Controlling the midfield is Aitana Bonmati, who is a seriously good player to watch out for. The 25-year-old is at her superb peak. Performances show her capability to dictate play even in high-stakes matches, and her impressive on-the-ball strength, exceptional vision, and lightning-quick footwork perfectly embody the ‘Made in Barça’ football philosophy everyone knows and loves.
Germany (+650)
The Germany Women’s World Cup 2023 squad will have big pressure on their shoulder as the German national team is one of the most successful in the history of women’s football. They have previously won the World Cup twice, in 2003 and 2007. “The expectations are huge,” said manager Martina Voss-Tecklenburg.
Captain, and star striker, Alexandra Popp leads the team that is hoping to win its third World Cup title, despite losing to England the Euro 2022 final in extra time, Germany show that their current crop of players can compete against the very best this year.
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France (+1000)
There has been turmoil (to say the least) in the run-up to the World Cup for France. This is a nation with one of the best talent pools in the world but, for a while, it looked like their chances of a successful tournament were very slim after several players withdrew from selection.
Following the controversial sacking of team manager Corinne Diacre earlier this year, a rather public dispute played out between the players and the French Football Federation in a World Cup year. Fortunately for Les Bleues, key players have reinstated their place in the squad and the situation appears to have been resolved.
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