Women’s World Cup preview: Everything you need to know about each group

Must-see match: New Zealand vs. Norway. The opening contest between co-host New Zealand and perennial challenger Norway could set the tone for the entire tournament. Women’s soccer has grown tremendously on the Pacific island, with participation increasing exponentially over the last two decades. Organizers expect a capacity crowd July 20 at the 46,350-seat Eden Park in Auckland, setting the scene for a potential upset against former champion Norway and a first-ever win for the Football Ferns in 15 Women’s World Cup matches.

Key player: Ada Hegerberg. Though the 28-year-old is widely considered one of the greatest women’s players of all time, she hardly has any World Cup experience. Norway’s captain removed herself from international selection between 2017 and 2022 because of what she perceived as inequality between the men’s and women’s programs in her country. She’s since reconciled her differences with Norway’s soccer federation, and after suffering an ACL tear, Hegerberg is finally ready to show her immense talent on the biggest stage.

Predicted finish: Norway, New Zealand, Switzerland, Philippines

Odds to win tournament

• Norway: +5000
• Switzerland: +20000
• New Zealand: +25000
• Philippines: +200000

Group B ?? ?? ?? ??

Schedule

Must-see match: Canada vs. Australia. These two powerhouse nations will meet July 31 with first place in Group B likely on the line. Canada and Australia are both ranked in the top 10 and capable of making deep runs. The Canadians have Christine Sinclair, the most prolific scorer in international soccer. But the Matildas have Sam Kerr, one of the best forwards of her generation, and the support of a home crowd. Canada won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, but Australia has shown more consistency at the World Cup, reaching the knockout round in each of the last five tournaments.

Key player: Sam Kerr. Kerr is Australia’s all-time leading scorer on either the men’s and women’s side and a serial winner with Chelsea’s decorated women’s team. Naturally, she’s one of the favorites to win the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer. Kerr scored five goals at the 2019 World Cup, including a hat-trick in the group stage, as well as a tournament-leading seven at the 2022 Asia Cup.

Predicted finish: Australia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, Nigeria

Odds to win tournament

• Australia: +1200
• Canada: +2500
• Republic of Ireland: +25000
• Nigeria: +100000

Group C ?? ?? ?? ??

Schedule

Must-see match: After winning the 2011 Women’s World Cup and finishing as runner-up in 2015, Japan has a new generation of players with even more skill than their predecessors. Head coach Futoshi Ikeda promoted several of the players who won the U-20 Women’s World Cup under his tutelage in 2018, including flashy winger Jun Endo. While Spain is reeling from a string of player protests that have splintered Jorge Vilda’s roster at the worst possible time, it still has two-time defending Ballon d’Or Feminine winner Alexia Putellas.

Key player: Alexia Putellas. The 29-year-old is coming off an ACL tear that ruled her out of the 2022 European Championship and held her to just five league appearances with Barcelona last season. Even if she can’t play important minutes at the World Cup, her presence is enough to give Spain a boost, particularly at a time when several experienced players, including club teammate Patri Guijarro, are missing the tournament out of protest over Vilda’s management style.

Predicted finish: Japan, Spain, Costa Rica, Zambia

Odds to win tournament

• Spain: +550
• Japan: +2500
• Zambia: +25000
• Costa Rica: +100000

Group D ?? ?? ??????? ??

Schedule

Must-see match: England vs. Denmark. Even without injured stars Beth Mead and Leah Williamson, the Lionesses are one of the favorites to win the tournament. But their group is tougher than it looks. Coming off wins over Hegerberg’s Norway, resurgent Japan, and No. 3-ranked Sweden, Denmark has the potential to derail England’s chances of winning the group.

Key player: Alessia Russo. With starting striker Mead out injured, Russo has a chance to shine in England’s attack. She proved herself during Euro 2022, scoring four times off the bench, including an incredible backheel goal in the semifinal win over Sweden. Russo made a big move to Arsenal after leading Manchester United with 10 goals in 20 Women’s Super League matches last season.

Predicted finish: England, Denmark, China, Haiti

Odds to win tournament

• England: +450
• Denmark: +6600
• China: +20000
• Haiti: +25000

Group E ?? ?? ?? ??

Schedule

Must-see match: United States vs. Netherlands. This isn’t just a rematch of the 2019 final. This is an opportunity for the Dutch to show they’re still a contender. Without star striker Vivianne Miedema – sidelined after tearing her ACL last December – the Netherlands has lost a massive part of its attack. Conversely, the U.S. remains as strong as ever in the final third. Alex Morgan is coming off a career year with the San Diego Wave, Sophia Smith is a constant threat up front, and Trinity Rodman has performed well in relief. Look for the Netherlands to play a risky, high-pressing game to keep the U.S. from hoarding possession.

Key player: Jill Roord. Though the 26-year-old isn’t a direct replacement for Miedema, she has the ability to score goals from midfield. With 86 international appearances, she’s also a national team veteran. Roord recently joined Manchester City for a club-record fee after guiding Wolfsburg to the Women’s Champions League final.

Predicted finish: United States, Netherlands, Portugal, Vietnam

Odds to win tournament

• United States: +250
• Netherlands: +1600
• Portugal: +10000
• Vietnam: +100000

Group F ?? ?? ?? ??

Schedule

Must-see match: France vs. Brazil. Brazil doesn’t just rely on old heads. Though Marta, now 37, remains an option in Pia Sundhage’s retooled side, longtime fixtures Formiga and Cristiane are no longer around. Head coach Sundhage has turned Brazil into cold-blooded killers with a tough defensive shell. Her team won the Copa America without conceding a single goal. France will be Brazil’s only real test in this top-heavy group.

Key player: Wendie Renard. An unshakable force in France’s back line, Renard initially removed herself from selection in February, saying she had suffered mentally under former head coach Corinne Diacre. Dacre’s eventual ouster, coupled with the arrival of experienced international coach Herve Renard, allowed Renard to reprise her role as captain. Her return is a blessing for a French side that needs defensive solidity and leadership. She’ll be looking to crown her decorated career with a World Cup medal.

Predicted finish: France, Brazil, Jamaica, Panama

Odds to win tournament

• France: +900
• Brazil: +2500
• Jamaica: +50000
• Panama: +200000

Group G ?? ?? ?? ??

Schedule

Must-see match: Sweden vs. Italy. Sweden’s experience faces off against Italy’s budding talent in a contest of opposites. Sweden’s success still relies heavily on the production of core players Caroline Seger, Kosovare Asllani, and Stina Blackstenius, who have a combined 491 appearances. Comparatively speaking, Italy’s women’s program is in its infancy. Though Le Azzurre made a run to the quarterfinals of the 2019 Women’s World Cup, they were eliminated in the group stage of Euro 2022 with a solitary point in round-robin play.

Key player: Arianna Caruso. The 23-year-old midfielder has already made more than 100 appearances for Juventus, underscoring her importance at a young age to one of the most successful women’s teams in Italy. Caruso is capable of joining the attack and supporting striker Cristiana Girelli as a viable scoring threat.

Predicted finish: Italy, Sweden, Argentina, South Africa

Odds to win tournament

• Sweden: +1600
• Italy: +10000
• Argentina: +25000
• South Africa: +50000

Group H ?? ?? ?? ??

Schedule

Must-see match: Colombia vs. South Korea. Their first match of the tournament could decide whether they advance or head home early. In only its third Women’s World Cup, Colombia’s trying to reach the round of 16 for the first time. South Korea is more tournament-savvy, having reached the final of the 2022 Asia Cup. With two-time champion Germany nearly guaranteed a first-place finish, Colombia and South Korea will battle for second.

Key player: Alexandra Popp. One of the most accomplished strikers of her era, Popp scored six times at Euro 2022 while leading Germany to the final. An injury during warm-ups kept her from playing at Wembley Stadium. The 32-year-old also helped Wolfsburg reach the Women’s Champions League final in June. She has 62 goals in 128 international appearances and a gold medal from the 2016 Olympics.

Predicted finish: Germany, South Korea, Colombia, Morocco

Odds to win tournament

• Germany: +700
• South Korea: +15000
• Colombia: +15000
• Morocco: +100000