The Women’s World Cup begins in just under a week’s time, with some of the best countries in the world competing for the biggest prize in international football.
Over the coming week we will be diving into each group and analysing their chances, whilst also looking at which player from each team will have the biggest impact on the tournament.
Group A
New Zealand
One of the two host countries alongside Australia, New Zealand are ranked 26th in the world with a squad consisting of ten World Cup debutants. They recently defeated Vietnam 2-0 in their final tournament warm-up match, and open the World Cup against Norway. Leicester City’s CJ Bott will be hoping to add to her 37 caps in an experienced Kiwi backline.
Norway
Twelfth in the FIFA World rankings, Norway will be looking to spoil the Kiwi party in the opening match of the World Cup. A country glittered with stars across some of the biggest leagues, they could be one of teams to look out for in this tournament. Former Ballon D’or winner Ada Hegerberg will be looking to add to her 43 goals and guide her side safely out of the group stage.
Philippines
The lowest placed team in the group at 46th in the FIFA World Rankings, the Philippines have had a very solid run up to the tournament, winning big and losing small, apart from a 5-0 defeat to Iceland in February. A side not stacked with world-class talent, but with an Australian manager in the form of Alen Stajcic, personal glory is well and truly on the line.
Switzerland
Since defeating Wales with the final kick of their World Cup play-off to qualify for the tournament, it has been bleak reading for the Swiss, who are yet to win a game this calendar year. Six places above fellow group A side New Zealand in 20th place in the world rankings, now would be a great time to get a first win of 2023. Aston Villa forward Alisha Lehmann will be hoping to have a breakthrough tournament, and add to her six senior goals.
Group B
Australia
Tenth in the world, as well as one of the co-hosts for the tournament, Australia really fancy themselves to disrupt the order at their home World Cup. Optimism can be justified after defeating European champions England 2-0 earlier in the year, and with captain Sam Kerr in red hot form looking to add to her record 63 goals, the Matildas will be another one to watch.
Canada
Three spots ahead of their hosts in seventh place are Canada, with the tournament coming at the right time for the Maple Leafs amid a reported financial crisis within Canadian soccer. England’s Beverly Priestman is tasked with bettering Canada’s best World Cup finish of fourth in 2003. 40-year-old Canadian footballing legend Christine Sinclair will be looking to add to her 323 caps and 190 goals, 20 years on from her first World Cup.
Nigeria
The lowest ranked side in the group, Nigeria are the group B underdogs given the quality of opponents they are set to come up against. This will be the tenth World Cup for the Super Falcons, with a best result of the quarter finals back in 1999. They come into the tournament of the back of an emphatic 3-0 win over co-hosts New Zealand in April, with Barcelona’s Asisat Oshoala set to lead the line. The forward has 83 goals in 89 games for the Spanish giants, and is Nigeria’s main attacking threat.
Republic of Ireland
This World Cup will be the Republic of Ireland’s first ever international tournament, despite being formed in 1973. Dutch coach Vera Pauw has guided the Girls in Green to the other side of the world to tackle some of the best sides on the planets. Pauw’s has a very experienced squad at her disposal, with a couple of young talents involved as well making it the 26th world ranked side. Arsenal’s Katie McCabe captains the side, and the versatile midfielder will be looking to get her team out of the group at the first attempt.
