The Women’s world cup is only a few weeks away and the excitement is ramping up! For the first time in its history, the 9th edition of this tournament will include 32 teams from all parts of the world who will battle it out across a number of stadiums throughout Australia and New Zealand. Get ready for month of nonstop football until a world champion is crowned.
The stakes have never been higher! Because you know the US will be looking to defend their throne with their unbeatable “US vs. Everybody” mentality… But not without some heavy competition from international teams hell bent on becoming the latest dominant force in the football world.
With so much excitement and anticipation, let's check out a few frontrunners who look to be the heavy favorites, the black horse looking to shuffle up the board, and those who see this as a proving ground for the next generation of world champions.
Team: England
Category: Heavy Favorites
Current Odds: +410
Second only to the USA (+240), the Lionesses champing at the bit to finally bring the cup back home to where it all began. After being crowned European champions back in 2022, and then beating the US women’s side back in October, England’s counting on carrying that momentum through the World Cup to add another prize to their trophy cabinet.
Given their squad strength and talent, the 3 lions should easily kick their way out of the group stages as they don’t face much competition from China, Haiti, and Denmark. However, this is the World Cup we’re talking about and anything goes during the group stages. Will England finally dethrone their American counterparts? Or, will they bow out early on and get branded as the flops of the tournament? Guess we’ll find out soon!
Team: Australia
Category: Dark Horse
Current Odds: +1100
Of the two hosting nations looking to make a splash in this year’s World Cup, Australia’s got its sights on making history so they’ve put the world on notice. Their group will consist of The Republic of Ireland, Nigeria, and Canada. And while it may seem like a daunting task, we view this group thrilling us until the very end. Ireland’s making an appearance for the first time in its history. While Canada’s out to match their Gold medal they earned back in 2020. And Nigeria’s goal is to make up for their disappointing loss during the WAFCON tournament. Sure, Australia has a hill to climb, but their fans will loudly voice their support as Australia fighting tooth and nail for the best run in their history.
Team: USA
Category: THE Favorites?
Current Odds: +240
We’re talking about the current Champions of the world! Everyone sees them as the team to beat, everyone… Seasoned players - we’re talking Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Kelley O’Hara will enter this tournament for the fourth time in their careers - to lead the US team.
That being said, experience - or lack of - may be the Achilles heel for this squad as 14 of the 23 players who are making their maiden journey across the pond to compete in this tournament. That includes 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson and 21-year-old Trinity Rodman who will silence their haters as they compete for glory in their first major tournament.
Learning and adapting to these high-profile games will be the main issue for the stars-and-stripes. And while they might squeeze out a winning result against Vietnam during the group stages, they’ll hit heavy competition from Portugal, and the Netherlands who are looking for revenge after losing 0-2 to the US in last the World Cup Final.
For one month, the world stops - fans put aside whatever it is they’re doing and wave their country’s flag screaming their team on to possible victory. Our editors will be cheering on the Gals in blue and white. But regardless of who you represent, the Women’s World Cup will be packed with action, thrills, and countless memories!